HENRY

BBS has a precis of the new book by Eva Jablonka and Marion Lamb, Evolution in Four Dimensions

These data show that the genome is far more responsive to the environment than previously thought, and that not all transmissible variation is underlain by genetic differences. In Evolution in FourDimensions we identify four types of inheritance (genetic, epigenetic, behavioural, and symbol-based), each of which can provide variations on which natural selection will act. Some of these variations arise in response to developmental conditions, so there are Lamarckian aspects to evolution. We argue that a better insight into evolutionary processes will result from recognizing that transmitted variations that are not based on DNA differences have played a role

The previous books from these authors like Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution: The Lamarckian Dimension and Animal Traditions: Behavioural Inheritance in Evolution have been some of the most fascinating, if unorthodox, evolution books I’ve read, so I’m quite looking forward to this.

Full abstract and PDF available at EvoMech

Posted on December 7th, 2006 by Simon Greenhill