Chinese Scientists Use AI to Uncover Key Mechanism Behind Life’s Evolution
October 9, 2025
BEIJING: A team of Chinese scientists has made a major breakthrough in understanding how different species evolve similar traits, using an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) protein language model.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveals how organisms independently develop similar functions when adapting to comparable environments — a phenomenon known as convergent evolution.
Understanding Convergent Evolution
Convergent evolution refers to the independent emergence of similar characteristics in different species as they adapt to shared environmental challenges. For example, both bats and toothed whales, despite being evolutionarily distant, have developed echolocation to navigate and hunt effectively.
The research team identified that high-order protein features play a vital role in driving this adaptive convergence.
AI-Powered Protein Analysis
Led by Professor Zou Zhengting, the scientists developed a new computational framework called ACEP, which uses a pre-trained protein language model to analyze complex biological data.
According to Professor Zou, this AI model can interpret the hidden structural and functional patterns within amino acid sequences, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms that guide evolution.
“A protein language model helps us understand the deeper connections between structure and function in proteins,” Zou explained. “This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of life’s evolutionary laws but also showcases the enormous potential of AI in biological research.”
Broader Implications
The findings mark a significant step forward in evolutionary biology and bioinformatics, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can accelerate discoveries that were once beyond human computational limits.
Researchers believe the AI-powered framework could be applied to other areas of biology, helping scientists better understand disease evolution, genetic diversity, and adaptive mechanisms in various species.
