Evolution
Evolvability
The capacity of a system to generate heritable, selectable variation. A measure of how readily a lineage can adapt to new conditions through evolutionary change.
Biological Context
Evolvability depends on genetic architecture: how mutations map to phenotypes, modularity that allows change in one trait without disrupting others, and developmental plasticity. Some lineages are more evolvable than others, explaining why certain groups diversify rapidly while others stagnate.
Business Application
Organizational evolvability: the capacity to adapt and change in response to market pressures. Depends on culture, structure, and how tightly coupled systems are. High evolvability enables rapid pivots; low evolvability creates rigidity.