Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution: The Lamarckian Dimension - Softcover

Jablonka, Eva

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198540639 ISBN 13: 9780198540632

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

This book discusses the evidence for and against the heritability of acquired characters. Does the inheritance of acquired characteristics play a significant role in evolution? In this original and potentially controversial book the authors explore an often neglected aspect of Darwinian evolution - the nature and origin of hereditary variations. The theory of evolution proposed by Jean-Baptise Lamarck (1744-1829), that characteristics developed during life by use and disuse can be inherited by offspring, lost support among Western scientists because it lacked definite proof. Jablonka and Lamb do not act as advocates or apologists for Lamarck, but they do challenge the prevailing assumption that all heritable variation is the random result of variation in DNA base sequence. Looking afresh at the evidence for and against the heritability of environmentally induced changes, the authors ask some timely questions about the importance of non-mendelian inheritance. This important work will be of great interest to all biologists and historians of science.

About this title

Review

...a challenging and useful book, both because it provokes a careful scrutiny of one's own basic ideas regarding evolutionary theory, and because it cuts across so many biological disciplines. (The Quarterly Review of Biology)

In my view, this work exemplifies Theoretical Biology at its best...here is rampant speculation that is consistently based on cautious reasoning from the available data. Even more refreshing is the absence of sloganeering, grandstanding, and "isms". (Biology and Philosophy)

Epigenetics is fundamental to understanding both development and gene expression, and not surprisingly, evolutionary biologists have long been fascinated with its proper place in evolutionary theory...Enter Jablonka and Lamb, who provide a thoughtful review of the recent molecular literature and suggest a number of potential consequences. (Evolution)

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198540639
• ISBN 13: 9780198540632
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 360