The phenotype of the Third Evolution

In the Second Evolution, the environment selects through the phenotype, which is coded by a species' genome. However, only the genes are reproduced and transmitted. Gene selection is therefore done indirectly.

How can we identify the parallel forces at work in the Third Evolution? Human beings exert selection on innovation, institutions, and new ideas, but they do not control their spread. What is selected is therefore what is communicated to others, and, more importantly, what has been written for the last ten thousand years. We can think of institutions as entities that implement what is written and outlive human beings. In this respect, ideals, ideologies, innovations and religions spread easily between humans. They are transmitted by humans, particularly by the human brain. Without brains, what is written is useless. Without the written or spoken word, the human brain, with all its frailties and biases, cannot sustain any development beyond autarky. Many authors emphasise the ability of human groups to accumulate knowledge. This is central to the Third Evolution.