Epigenetics - Evolutions 800lb gorilla


For the last 10 years there has been a trend for evolutionary biologists to ignore epigenetics as a one-off. This in spite of over 137,000 articles on epigenetics in the literature.

Here are 10 reasons why evolutionary biologists ignore epigenetics:

  1. They focus on DNA sequences and ignore epigenetic changes. Evolutionary biologists have traditionally focused on the study of DNA sequences, which they believe are the primary determinants of evolution. However, epigenetic changes, which are alterations in gene expression that do not involve changes in DNA sequence, can also have a significant impact on evolution.

  2. They assume that epigenetic changes are reversible. Many evolutionary biologists assume that epigenetic changes are reversible, meaning that they can be erased and the original gene expression pattern restored. However, some epigenetic changes can be passed down from generation to generation, making them effectively inheritable.

  3. They ignore the role of the environment in epigenetics. Epigenetics is influenced by the environment, both inside and outside the organism. Evolutionary biologists often ignore this environmental influence, focusing instead on genetic factors.

  4. They use experimental methods that are not conducive to studying epigenetics. Many of the experimental methods used by evolutionary biologists are not well-suited for studying epigenetics. For example, traditional breeding experiments often involve crossing individuals with different DNA sequences, which can mask the effects of epigenetic changes.

  5. They do not have a good understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics. The molecular mechanisms of epigenetics are not fully understood, which makes it difficult for evolutionary biologists to incorporate epigenetics into their models of evolution.

  6. They are reluctant to change their theories. Evolutionary biologists are often reluctant to change their theories, even in the face of new evidence. This reluctance can make it difficult for them to incorporate epigenetics into their understanding of evolution.

  7. They are not well-funded. Epigenetics is a relatively new field of research, and as a result, it is not as well-funded as some other areas of biology. This lack of funding can make it difficult for evolutionary biologists to study epigenetics.

  8. There is a lack of communication between epigeneticists and evolutionary biologists. There is a lack of communication between epigeneticists and evolutionary biologists. This lack of communication can make it difficult for these two groups of scientists to collaborate and share ideas.

  9. There is a lack of awareness of epigenetics among evolutionary biologists. Many evolutionary biologists are not aware of the latest advances in epigenetics. This lack of awareness can make it difficult for them to incorporate epigenetics into their research.

  10. There is a lack of consensus on the role of epigenetics in evolution. There is no consensus among evolutionary biologists on the role of epigenetics in evolution. This lack of consensus can make it difficult for them to incorporate epigenetics into their theories.

It is important to note that not all evolutionary biologists ignore epigenetics. There are a growing number of scientists who are working to incorporate epigenetics into our understanding of evolution. However, the challenges listed above are real, and they will need to be addressed if epigenetics is to play a more prominent role in evolutionary biology.

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