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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Environmental Epigenetics and a Unified Theory of the Molecular Aspects of Evolution: A Neo-Lamarckian Concept that Facilitates Neo-Darwinian Evolution
Genome biology and evolution, Vol.7(5), pp.1296-1302
04/26/2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/109419
PMCID: PMC4453068
PMID: 25917417
Abstract
Environment has a critical role in the natural selection process for Darwinian evolution. The primary molecular component currently considered for neo-Darwinian evolution involves genetic alterations and random mutations that generate the phenotypic variation required for natural selection to act. The vast majority of environmental factors cannot directly alter DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms directly regulate genetic processes and can be dramatically altered by environmental factors. Therefore, environmental epigenetics provides a molecular mechanism to directly alter phenotypic variation generationally. Lamarck proposed in 1802 the concept that environment can directly alter phenotype in a heritable manner. Environmental epigenetics and epigenetic transgenerational inheritance provide molecular mechanisms for this process. Therefore, environment can on a molecular level influence the phenotypic variation directly. The ability of environmental epigenetics to alter phenotypic and genotypic variation directly can significantly impact natural selection. Neo-Lamarckian concept can facilitate neo-Darwinian evolution. A unified theory of evolution is presented to describe the integration of environmental epigenetic and genetic aspects of evolution.
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Details
- Title
- Environmental Epigenetics and a Unified Theory of the Molecular Aspects of Evolution: A Neo-Lamarckian Concept that Facilitates Neo-Darwinian Evolution
- Creators
- Michael K Skinner - Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University skinner@wsu.edu
- Publication Details
- Genome biology and evolution, Vol.7(5), pp.1296-1302
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Publisher
- England
- Grant note
- R01 ES012974 / NIEHS NIH HHS
- Identifiers
- 99900547007401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article