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Dimension reduction projection and our perception of evolution

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Abstract

The evolution of a species can be viewed as a trajectory in multidimensional space. What we perceive is only a low dimensional projection from the total dimensionality necessary to fully describe a species. Motivated by the phenomenon of punctuated equilibria, it is shown that there are projections of gradualistic evolution which will have a punctuated character. However, whether our eyes and minds would choose such a projection of the total phenotype is not resolved.

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Campbell, R.B. Dimension reduction projection and our perception of evolution. J. Math. Biology 21, 299–306 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00276228

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00276228

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