An Adaptive Universe Framework Perspective: Towards Testing the Intrinsic Link Between Dark Energy and Structure Growth

Growing evidence for dynamical dark energy challenges the passive cosmological constant paradigm. This perspective article introduces a novel conceptual framework and a minimal, testable benchmark model to probe a fundamental question: is dark energy’s evolution correlated with cosmic structure growth, suggesting it is an intrinsic component of cosmic dynamics rather than a static background? We propose a linear correlation of the form w(a)=−1+η(γ(a)−0.55) between the dark energy equation of state w(a) and the structure growth index γ(a) as a key observational signature of this intrinsic link. This linear relation is the first concrete, testable benchmark framed from the perspective of dark energy as an intrinsic cosmic dynamical component. To provide physical motivation and verify self-consistency, we construct a phenomenological “Dynamic Coupling Model.” In this model, the energy transfer rate between dark energy and dark matter is postulated to be dynamically modulated by cosmic structure growth (traced by γ(a)). This model naturally yields the linear w-γ relation, with a theoretically motivated benchmark slope η=0.25±0.03. The model’s key testable prediction is a deviation at redshift z≈0.5, where w≈−0.89±0.02, in stark contrast to ΛCDM’s w=−1, offering a clear observational target. Future high-precision data will first verify the existence of this correlation. If confirmed, data can further discriminate whether it supports this simple linear parameterization or points to more complex coupling mechanisms. Regardless of the outcome, this w-γ correlation paradigm provides a new, actionable starting point for understanding dark energy’s dynamical role. The proposed framework is consistent with current cosmological data, shows potential to alleviate the Hubble tension, and defines a clear path for observational testing.