Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: UndauntedR

==I asked for an animal whose offspring differed from it in a way unattributable to genetic variance.

The offspring did differ from the parent in a way unattributable to genetic variance. As you said yourself, the underlying gene sequence of the agouti mice remained the same, and yet the change in their diet/environment produced changes to the phenotype that were non-random and heritable. And as for whether or not epigenetics is Lamarckian, one of the researchers (Douglas Ruden from the Univ. of Alabama) quoted in The Scientist article says just that: “Epigenetics has always been Lamarckian. I really don’t think there’s any controversy.” If this is all true, the neo-Darwinian synthesis is falsified.


188 posted on 07/12/2007 11:06:28 PM PDT by GodGunsGuts
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 187 | View Replies ]


To: GodGunsGuts
The genome is smart. It can respond to selective conditions

Then you will no doubt provide an example of this happening.

189 posted on 07/12/2007 11:30:23 PM PDT by js1138
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 188 | View Replies ]

To: GodGunsGuts
The offspring did differ from the parent in a way unattributable to genetic variance.

I hope you understand that genetic variance includes changes in gene expression levels as well, which this is.

And as for whether or not epigenetics is Lamarckian,

Well... like I tried to explain, it's borderline. In the sense of being an inheritable trait cause by the environment, yes. In the sense Lamarckian "desire", or acquired physical characteristics, no. Regardless, it's a an interesting case.

If this is all true, the neo-Darwinian synthesis is falsified.

Riiight... it's just another mechanism of evolution, that all.
190 posted on 07/12/2007 11:44:40 PM PDT by UndauntedR
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 188 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson