On Epigenetics and Evolution

The emergence of genomic variability is a fundamental process in evolution that has been the focus of recent high-profile scientific debates, with a particular focus on epigenetic modifications shown to influence genomic variability.Epigenetics and Evolution, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, introduces key themes from current epigenetic evolution research, with contributions from leading scientists around the world that investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in evolution from a variety of different angles, with each contribution combining theory, current research overviews, and applications. This book gives researchers, students, and clinicians a better understanding of the origin of genotypic and phenotypic variability, the role of epigenetics in development and inheritance, how epigenetics may affect speciation and geographic distribution, and the evolution of epigenetic mechanisms in different taxa, and helps them apply their learnings across new research. Other modalities and subtopics explored include epigenetics in neutral evolution; epigenetics and cellular physiology; Paleo-epigenetics; Archeo-epigenetics; epigenetics and pathogen evolution; epigenetics in unicellular organisms; epigenetic evolution in plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates; and the role of epigenetics in human evolution and its societal impact. - Introduces and examines the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating genomic variability, and thus evolutionary biology, across species - Draws together key themes across epigenetic evolution in plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, and the role of epigenetics in human evolution - Includes bulleted chapter summaries and key points lists, terms and definitions, and rich use of illustrations where possible to reinforce understanding and actionability of the content - Features chapter contributions from international leaders in the field