How Epigenetics Challenges NeoDarwinism


Neo-Darwinism is the modern synthesis of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection with genetics. It holds that evolution is driven by the accumulation of random genetic mutations that are beneficial to the organism and are therefore passed on to offspring.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. These changes can be caused by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. Epigenetic changes can be inherited by offspring.

The discovery of epigenetics has challenged some of the basic tenets of Neo-Darwinism. For example, it has been shown that epigenetic changes can be inherited for multiple generations, even if the environmental factor that caused the change is no longer present. This suggests that epigenetics can play a role in evolution, even if it is not the only factor.

Another way that epigenetics challenges Neo-Darwinism is by providing a mechanism for the inheritance of acquired characteristics. Lamarck proposed that acquired characteristics, such as the strength of a muscle, could be inherited by offspring. However, this was not supported by genetic evidence. Epigenetic changes, on the other hand, provide a molecular mechanism for the inheritance of acquired characteristics.

The discovery of epigenetics has led to a new way of thinking about evolution. It is now believed that epigenetic changes can interact with genetic mutations to create new phenotypes. This can lead to rapid evolution, even if the genetic mutations themselves are rare.

In conclusion, epigenetics has changed our view of Neo-Darwinism by showing that environmental factors can play a role in evolution. It has also provided a mechanism for the inheritance of acquired characteristics. These findings have led to a new way of thinking about evolution, one that is more complex and nuanced than the traditional Neo-Darwinian view.

Here are some specific examples of how epigenetics has been shown to influence evolution:

  • In the case of the Dutch Hunger Winter, pregnant women who were exposed to famine during World War II gave birth to children who were more likely to develop obesity and diabetes later in life. This suggests that epigenetic changes caused by the famine were passed on to the children.

  • In the case of the Agouti mouse, a single gene can be switched on or off by environmental factors. This can lead to different coat colors in the mice.

  • In the case of the Monarch butterfly, epigenetic changes are responsible for the migration patterns of the butterflies.

These are just a few examples of how epigenetics can influence evolution. As research in this area continues, we are likely to learn more about the role of epigenetics in shaping the diversity of life on Earth.

Here are some journal articles on how epigenetics changes our view of NeoDarwinism:

  • "Beyond neo-Darwinism—an epigenetic approach to evolution" by J. M. Smith and E. Szathmáry (1995). This article argues that epigenetics provides a new way of understanding evolution, one that goes beyond the traditional NeoDarwinian framework.

  • "Epigenetics and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis" by J. J. Mattick (2015). This article reviews the evidence for epigenetic inheritance, and argues that this evidence challenges some of the core assumptions of NeoDarwinism.

  • "Epigenetics and the Re-Shaping of Evolution" by D. J. Richards (2016). This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics, and discusses how epigenetics is changing our understanding of evolution.

  • The Epigenetic Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Human Behavior by Nessa Carey (2012). This book provides a popular overview of the field of epigenetics.

  • Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Genes by Bruce W. Perry (2009). This book discusses the impact of environmental factors on epigenetics, and how this can influence human health and behavior.

  • The Epigenome and Evolution by David J. Richards (2017). This book provides a more technical overview of the field of epigenetics, and discusses how epigenetics is changing our understanding of evolution.

These are just a few examples of the many journal articles that have been published on the topic of epigenetics and evolution. As our understanding of epigenetics continues to grow, it is likely that we will learn even more about how epigenetics can influence evolution.



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