Entropy, irreversibility and evolution.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics is investigated with respect to its value as an indicator of the direction of the evolutionary process. Non-thermodynamic entropy concepts and possible errors in the use of thermodynamic entropy are discussed. The importance of genuine thermodynamic potentials and their correct application for understanding processes is emphasized. There is no direct connection between evolutionary events such as speciation and thermodynamic entropy changes; the irreversibility of evolution is not a consequence of thermodynamic irreversibility.
Berry
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Max-Volmer-Institut für Biophysikalische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität, Berlin, Germany.
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D008954:Models, Biological; D013816:Thermodynamics; D013997:Time Factors