Review of book "Lamarcks Revenge"


In his book Lamarck's Revenge: How Epigenetics Is Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Evolution's Past and Present, Peter Ward argues that epigenetics, the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in DNA sequence, can explain punctuated evolution better than neo-Darwinism.

Neo-Darwinism is the prevailing theory of evolution, which states that evolution is driven by natural selection acting on random genetic mutations. However, Ward argues that epigenetics can explain how rapid changes in morphology and behavior can occur in a relatively short period of time, as seen in the fossil record.

For example, Ward cites the rapid evolution of the horse's teeth over the course of millions of years. In the early fossil record, horses had teeth that were more suited for grazing, but over time their teeth became more specialized for eating grass. Ward argues that this rapid change in tooth morphology could not have been caused by random genetic mutations, but is more likely due to epigenetic changes.

Epigenetic changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, diet, and stress. These changes can be passed on to the next generation, and can accumulate over time, leading to significant changes in the phenotype of a population.

Ward argues that epigenetics can explain how populations can rapidly evolve in response to environmental change. For example, he cites the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In a very short period of time, bacteria have evolved to become resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. Ward argues that this rapid evolution is not due to random genetic mutations, but is more likely due to epigenetic changes.

Epigenetics is a relatively new field of research, and there is still much that we do not know about it. However, Ward's book provides a compelling argument that epigenetics can play a major role in evolution.

Here are some additional thoughts on how epigenetics can explain punctuated evolution better than neo-Darwinism:

  • Epigenetic changes can be passed on to the next generation, even if they are not caused by changes in DNA sequence. This means that epigenetic changes can accumulate over time, leading to significant changes in the phenotype of a population.

  • Epigenetic changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, diet, and stress. This means that epigenetic changes can be more responsive to environmental change than genetic mutations.

  • Epigenetic changes can be reversed, which means that populations can adapt to changing environments without accumulating genetic mutations.

Overall, epigenetics provides a more flexible and dynamic model of evolution than neo-Darwinism. Epigenetic changes can explain how populations can rapidly evolve in response to environmental change, and how they can adapt to changing environments without accumulating genetic mutations.




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