Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of coral reefs in understanding evolutionary biology, suggesting that the coral metaphor offers a richer perspective than the traditional tree diagram used by Darwin [1][8][10]. Group 1: Darwin's Contributions - Darwin's early observations of coral reefs during his voyage on the HMS Beagle led to significant insights into geological structures and evolutionary theory, culminating in his later works, including "On the Origin of Species" [2][4]. - His first scientific monograph, "The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs," introduced the revolutionary "subsidence theory," explaining how coral reefs form through the interplay of biological activity and geological processes [5][6]. Group 2: Evolutionary Models - The article contrasts Darwin's tree diagram of evolution with the coral structure, arguing that the latter better represents the complexity and interconnectedness of species evolution [7][9]. - The coral metaphor emphasizes three key aspects of evolution: cooperative evolution, historical continuity, and ecological symbiosis, which are often overlooked in linear models [11][12]. Group 3: AI and Evolutionary Insights - The emergence of AI technologies parallels the coral growth model, where iterative learning processes resemble the gradual accumulation of coral structures over time [12][15]. - AI's multi-agent systems reflect the collaborative intelligence seen in coral communities, suggesting that intelligence may arise from collective interactions rather than isolated computations [13][15]. Group 4: New Research Paradigms - The dialogue between AI and evolutionary biology fosters new research methodologies, allowing for simulations that can validate traditional evolutionary theories and explore unknown possibilities [16][17]. - AI's ability to model coral-like evolution challenges the linear progression of intelligence, suggesting that adaptability is more crucial than a simplistic view of advancement [17].

Core Viewpoint - The year 2025 is anticipated to be transformative for Chinese universities, particularly in the context of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education and research, especially in fields like paleobiology [2][11]. Group 1: AI and Education - AI is increasingly being applied in various scientific fields, including paleobiology, for tasks such as rapid fossil identification and classification [11][12]. - The integration of AI into education is seen as a trend that can enhance the development of interdisciplinary talents, emphasizing the need for students to understand both AI technology and biological sciences [11][12]. Group 2: Importance of Knowledge Accumulation - Knowledge accumulation remains crucial in the AI era; without a solid foundation of direct and indirect knowledge, AI analyses may lack substance [21]. - The cultivation of scientific imagination is equally important, as it can lead to significant academic breakthroughs when combined with a strong knowledge base [15][21]. Group 3: Promoting Curiosity and Critical Thinking - Encouraging curiosity and critical questioning among students is essential for fostering innovation; students should feel empowered to express their ideas and challenge established views [9][10]. - The educational approach should focus on nurturing students' ability to combine their experiences with learned knowledge to develop their own ideas, even if those ideas are not fully correct [9][10]. Group 4: Contributions to Paleobiology - The work of paleontologist Shudegan has led to significant discoveries, including the "Three-Act Cambrian Explosion Hypothesis" and the identification of the earliest vertebrate, the "Kunming Fish," which have provided critical insights into animal evolution [4][20]. - Shudegan emphasizes the dual importance of practical knowledge and scientific imagination in advancing research in paleobiology, particularly in the context of AI applications [21][22].

Core Viewpoint - The research provides direct evidence supporting Lamarck's theory of "inheritance of acquired characteristics" by demonstrating that rice can inherit adaptive cold tolerance through DNA methylation without any changes in DNA sequence, challenging the traditional Darwinian framework of evolution [3][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals that repeated exposure to cold stress during rice breeding can induce heritable cold tolerance [9]. - Cold-induced DNA demethylation of the ACT1 gene mediates the acquisition of cold tolerance [9][11]. - The research team confirmed that the ACT1 gene's promoter region has lower DNA methylation levels in cold-tolerant rice compared to non-cold-tolerant varieties, establishing a causal relationship between epigenetic changes and cold tolerance [7][11]. Group 2: Methodology and Results - The research involved exposing a cold-sensitive rice variety to -15°C for seven days before transferring it to a natural environment, leading to significant cold tolerance in subsequent generations [6][9]. - The study found that the cold-tolerant rice maintained its cold resistance over five generations, indicating a rapid adaptation process compared to traditional natural selection [6][9]. - Genomic sequencing showed no significant genetic differences related to cold tolerance, prompting the investigation into epigenetic variations [7][8]. Group 3: Implications for Agriculture - The findings suggest a new paradigm for understanding adaptive evolution, providing innovative solutions for crop breeding in response to global climate change [11][12]. - The research proposes a novel approach for crop breeding termed "adversity domestication - phenotypic screening - mutation identification - precise editing," aimed at enhancing crop resilience [11].