Major evolutionary transitions as well as the evolution of codes of life are key elements in macroevolution which are characterized by increase in complexity Major evolutionary transitions ensues by a transition in individuality and by the evolution of a novel mode of using, transmitting or storing information. Here is where codes of life enter the picture: they are arbitrary mappings between different (mostly) molecular species. This flexibility allows information to be employed in a variety of ways, which can fuel evolutionary innovation. The collation of the list of major evolutionary transitions and the list of codes of life show a clear pattern: codes evolved prior to a major evolutionary transition and then played roles in the transition and/or in the transformation of the new individual. The evolution of a new code of life is in itself not a major evolutionary transition but allow major evolutionary transitions to happen. This could help us to identify new organic codes.

主要的进化转变以及生命密码的进化是宏观进化中的关键要素，其特征是复杂性增加 这是生命密码进入画面的地方：它们是不同（大部分）分子物种之间的任意映射。这种灵活性允许以多种方式使用信息，这可以推动进化创新。主要进化转变列表和生命密码列表的整理显示出一个清晰的模式：密码在主要进化转变之前进化，然后在转变和/或新个体的转变中发挥作用。新生命密码的进化本身并不是一个重大的进化转变，而是允许发生重大的进化转变。这可以帮助我们识别新的有机代码。