Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution The Lamarckian Dimension

by Jablonka, Eva; Lamb, Marion J.

• ISBN13: 9780198540625
• ISBN10: 0198540620
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-05-11
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Does the inheritance of acquired characteristics play a significant role in evolution? In this book, Eva Jablonka and Marion J. Lamb attempt to answer that question with an original, provocative exploration of the nature and origin of hereditary variations. Starting with a historical account of Lamarck's ideas and the reasons they have fallen in disrepute, the authors go on to challenge the prevailing assumption that all heritable variation is random and the result of variation in DNA base sequences. They also detail recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inheritance--including several pathways not envisioned by classical population genetics--and argue that these advances need to be more fully incorporated into mainstream evolutionary theory. Throughout, the book offers a new look at the evidence for and against the hereditability of environmentally induced changes, and addresses timely questions about the importance of non-Mendelian inheritance. A glossary and extensive list of references round out the book. Urging a reconsideration of the present DNA-centric view prevalent in the field, Epigentic Inheritance and Evolution will make fascinating and important reading for students and researchers in evolution, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, developmental biology, and the history and philosophy of science.

Table of Contents

Preface

The Legacy of Lamarckism

Neodarwinian Explanations of the Inheritance of Acquired Characters

Induced Genetic Variations

Cellular Heredity: Epigenetic Inheritance Systems

Genomic Imprinting: The Inheritance of Directed Epigenetic Variations

Interactions Between Genetic and Epigenetic Inheritance

The Role of Epigenetic Inheritance Systems in Adaptive Evolution

Heredity and the Origin of Species

Multiple Inheritance Systems

Glossary

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