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

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