27. Why do molecules pray?

Lynn Margulis's "Symbiotic Planet" presents a revolutionary view of evolution, emphasizing the role of symbiosis in shaping the diversity of life. Margulis challenges the traditional Darwinian view, arguing that cooperation and symbiosis are as important as competition in driving evolutionary change. The book explores numerous examples of symbiosis across different domains of life, from the origins of eukaryotic cells to the complex interactions within ecosystems. Margulis's work highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of understanding the collaborative relationships between organisms. Her insights have significantly influenced our understanding of evolution and the dynamics of life on Earth.

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.