👉 Acquisitions biology, also known as acquisition biology or the theory of acquisitions, is a concept in evolutionary biology that emphasizes the role of historical contingencies and random events in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of species. Proposed by Ernst Mayr, this theory posits that evolution is not solely driven by adaptive changes in response to environmental pressures but is also significantly influenced by the specific historical events and genetic accidents that occur during an organism's life cycle. For instance, the acquisition of new genes through horizontal gene transfer, hybridization events, or even viral insertions can provide organisms with novel traits that may be crucial for survival and reproduction. These acquisitions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes, sometimes bypassing the need for gradual adaptations, and thus play a pivotal role in the diversification and adaptation of species over time.
