Focusing on Dynamics: When an Exception Becomes a Rule

In this chapter, we deal with the change from the exception to the rule in biological systems, both by the action of nature and by the changes that occur due to human action. We talk about the origin of life on planet Earth, the first organisms that colonized primitive environments and changed the atmosphere, giving rise to new forms of life, the appearance of eukaryotic, multicellular organisms, and the different forms of reproduction. We focus on events and changes that were initially considered teratological and that are familiar to our current vision. We also mention adaptations, plasticity, and different phenotypes that became advantages and allowed organisms to continue living in different environments. On the other hand, we point to global processes that affect humans and that in many cases are caused by humans. We discuss examples of diseases that turn into pandemics, the processes of environmental pollution, and accelerated climate change. Finally, we will discuss the changes in scientific ideas, which are closely linked to the social context at each moment in human history, the changes in the different fields of study and within society itself.