[DManA]

Lysenko's theories of environmentally acquired inheritance

Ironically recent discoveries show that in fact SOME acquired traits CAN be passed on. For example people who endure famine at crucial points in their life can affect the longevity of their grandchildren.

[Buckhead]

This topic - environmentally acquired inheritance - is discussed in this book and I am sure in many, many others. Very good read.

http://www.amazon.com/Survival-Sickest-Medical-Maverick-Discovers/dp/0060889659

The author has a blog, here: http://www.survivalofthesickestthebook.com/blog/

[allmendream]

HOW the inheritance is read via the methylation pattern of DNA is passed on, yet this is NOT a permanent change, and can (and will) be changed in subsequent generations.

The entire idea that such a temporary change could lead to permanent changes among different populations that it could lead to the observed speciation is one without any merit.... so far.

Show me a mechanism whereby environmentally acquired traits can effect PERMINANT changes in the DNA of a species, and you might have something.

DNY methylation (epigenetics) is NOT such a mechanism.