Lamarck has the last word on Mendel and Darwin


NeoDarwinism combined Mendelian genetics with random mutations. It assumed equal alleles from the parents. Mendelian traits are taught in every 101 biology class. Little did we know Jean Baptiste Lamarks epigenetics was controlling the actual expressed alleles via epigenetic imprinting.

Epigenetic imprinting changes Mendel's alleles, and this requires a rethinking of whether NeoDarwinism has any effect.

NeoDarwinism is the theory of evolution that states that evolution is driven by natural selection, which acts on random genetic mutations. However, epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence.


Epigenetic changes can be caused by environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. They can also be passed down from parent to offspring.

Epigenetic imprinting is a type of epigenetic change that occurs when a gene is turned on or off in a specific cell type. This is done by adding or removing methyl groups to the DNA. Methyl groups are chemical tags that can change how a gene is expressed.


Epigenetic imprinting can have a big impact on how genes are expressed. For example, it can affect the development of diseases, such as cancer. It can also affect how an organism responds to its environment.

The discovery of epigenetics has challenged the traditional view of NeoDarwinism. In the past, it was thought that natural selection could only act on changes in the DNA sequence. However, epigenetic changes can also be inherited, and they can have a big impact on how an organism develops and behaves.

This means that NeoDarwinism may need to be updated to take into account the role of epigenetics. In the future, it may be possible to use epigenetics to treat diseases and improve human health.

Here are some additional thoughts on the relationship between epigenetics and NeoDarwinism:

  • Epigenetic changes can be passed down from parent to offspring, which means that they can contribute to the evolution of a species.

  • Epigenetic changes can be caused by environmental factors, which means that they can be influenced by the environment.

  • Epigenetic changes can be reversed, which means that they are not permanent.

These factors suggest that epigenetics may play a role in evolution and development. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of epigenetics in these processes.


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