On Quantum Effects in a Theory of Biological Evolution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a toy model exploring how quantum effects influence biological evolution, revealing that entanglement levels can determine whether quantum or classical worlds are more conducive to evolution.

Contribution

It presents a novel toy model integrating quantum effects into biological evolution, highlighting the impact of entanglement on evolutionary rates.

Findings

Quantum effects can make quantum worlds as favorable as classical ones for evolution.

Maximal entanglement favors classical evolution over quantum.

Evolutionary rate depends on the degree of entanglement in quantum organisms.

Abstract

We construct a descriptive toy model that considers quantum effects on biological evolution starting from Chaitin's classical framework. There are smart evolution scenarios in which a quantum world is as favorable as classical worlds for evolution to take place. However, in more natural scenarios, the rate of evolution depends on the degree of entanglement present in quantum organisms with respect to classical organisms. If the entanglement is maximal, classical evolution turns out to be more favorable.