 The evolutionary theory of natural selection suggests that certain traits may become more common over time due to their ability to improve an individual's chances of survival and reproduction. However, this theory does not provide a physical basis for how these traits evolve, and thus cannot explain why certain traits persist or change over time. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, on the other hand, provides a physical basis for understanding how biological systems interact with their environments and how they evolve over time. This theory explains how certain traits may become more common over time due to their ability to increase the rate of energy dissipation within the system, which leads to increased fitness and survivability. Furthermore, this theory also explains how different levels of biotic and abiotic interactions can lead to complex adaptations and behaviors. This article was authored by Caro Michaelian.