ScienceAugust 27, 2026
evolvability
ee-volv-uh-BIL-uh-tee
Definition
The capacity or potential of a biological system, such as a protein, to undergo evolutionary change or to acquire new functions through mutations.
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'evolve' (from Latin 'evolvere', meaning 'to unroll') combined with the suffix '-ability', which denotes the capacity to perform a particular action or the quality of being able to undergo a specific process.
In the news
In the article, the author argues that Howell ignored recent scientific research, such as studies on protein evolvability, which provides empirical evidence countering the claim that intelligent design research has stagnated.
Fighting a Battle That’s Over, and ID Won
Read the full article ↗Science and Culture Today