emergent

Emergent evolution describes the appearance of new characteristics and qualities at complex levels of organization, such as a cell or organism, that cannot be predicted solely from studying simpler levels like atoms or molecules. This concept suggests that systems can arise that are not fully explainable by their antecedent conditions.12

Key stages of emergence in evolutionary history include the origin of life, the development of cells with nuclei, the emergence of sexual reproduction, the rise of sentient animals with nervous systems, and the appearance of cognitive beings like humans. While grounded in simpler stages, each new mode of life is understood by its own ordering principle.2

The idea of emergent evolution has been debated, with some biologists emphasizing genetic mechanisms and natural selection for explaining evolutionary changes, while others continue to explore the concept of emergence in understanding the development of complex life forms.2