Exploring the expanse between theoretical questions and experimental approaches in the modern study of evolvability

Despite several decades of computational and experimental work across many systems, evolvability remains on the periphery with regards to its status as a widely accepted and regularly applied theoretical concept. Here we propose that its marginal status is partly a result of large gaps between the diverse but disconnected theoretical treatments of evolvability and the relatively narrower range of studies that have tested it empirically. To make this case, we draw on a range of examples—from experimental evolution in microbes, to molecular evolution in proteins—where attempts have been made to mend this disconnect. We highlight some examples of progress that has been made and point to areas where synthesis and translation of existing theory can lead to further progress in the still‐new field of empirical measurements of evolvability. Experimental tests of theories about evolvability have largely been limited to examining the mechanisms by which genetic variation is produced; namely, mutation, and recombination. However, evolvability theory has a much broader domain, and opportunities abound to test ideas about developmental variability, environmental heterogeneity, and the complexities of high‐dimensional genotype spaces. In this perspective, we review progress, both theoretical and experimental, on these phenomena and suggest areas in which experimental tests have lagged behind theoretical predictions. Research Highlight In the study of evolvability, there are large gaps between theory and experiment. Here we discuss past and current efforts to fill them, and potential directions. To do this, we explore several modern frontiers of evolvability, from microbial experimental ecevolution to meanderings through protein space.