Epigenetics, revisited; new exciting studies (Introduction)

by dhw, Saturday, November 19, 2011, 17:32 (4753 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: Another study in plant epigenetics and what it all means, which we still don't know:

http://the-scientist.com/2011/10/01/evolution-tout-de-suite/

You’ve said on several occasions that you think epigenetics may hold the key to the way in which evolution works. Crucially, every article you refer us to has to hold back from the all-important conclusion that permanently heritable new forms may arise in response to environmental changes. Obviously the research goes on, but this conclusion would vastly reduce the highly suspect role hitherto played by random mutations, would explain punctuated equilibrium, and would fit in with the examples of rapid evolution that researchers seem to be accumulating. It seems logical that unless organisms can adapt rapidly (not over hundreds of generations) to dramatic changes, they are likely to die, and it’s not beyond the bounds of belief that environmental pressures could result in organisms finding NEW ways to cope – hence innovation as well as adaptation. I’d be interested to know if you think this really is the pattern that’s emerging, or am I jumping the gun here?