Epigenetic Principles of Evolution

by Nelson R Cabej

Epigenetic Principles of Evolution, Second Edition, fully examines the causal basis of evolution from an epigenetic point-of-view. By revealing the epigenetic uses of the genetic toolkit, this work demonstrates the primacy of epigenetic mechanisms and epigenetic information in generating evolutionary novelties. The author convincingly supports his theoretical perspective with examples from varied fields of biology, emphasizing changes in developmental pathways as the basic source of evolutionary change in metazoans. Users will find a broader view of the epigenetic mechanisms of evolution, moving beyond conventional changes in epigenetic structures, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and patterns of miRNA, sRNA, and mRNA expression. This second edition is thoroughly updated to reflect new evidence and developing theories in the field of evolutionary epigenetics. New and revised chapters speak to the epigenetic basis of heredity, epigenetic regulation of animal structure and homeostasis, neural manipulation of gene expression, central control of gametogenesis, epigenetic control of early development, the origin of epigenetic information, evolutionary changes in response to environmental stressors, epigenetics of sympatric evolution, and the epigenetics of the Cambrian explosion, among other topics.

852 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Maria O'Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book is really expensive, but I did manage to cobble together several of the most important chapters for the research I was carrying out for some books I was working on relating to epigenetics. It is great to see this field of research is now finally beginning to get the attention it deserves, albeit very much overdue, although, other than Epigenetic Principles, many of the books on the topic do not appear to have fully embraced the gravity of epigenetics and how it is fundamentally undermining our current Neo-Darwinian gene-centred version of evolutionary development, whereas, Cabej's book does. The author also furnishes the book with some of the most up-to-date scientific (real-time) evidence to support an epigenetic/environmentally-driven form of evolution and speciation and equally, presents the evidence to counter the Neo-Darwinian position, clearly showing how the evidence for this view is not substantiated scientifically. I feel that it is a great pity this book in its full form is so unobtainable due to its price-tag, as I would recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a scientific understanding of the alternative to Darwinism. Furthermore, I should point out that Cabej is fully aware of Darwin's own more epigenetic (or Lamarckian leanings) and he honours the man by this recognition. For all of the reasons above, this is why I have given this five stars. Furthermore, I looked into Cabej's research (he seems to be based in Israel), and he is fully credentialed and about as qualified as anyone could be writing on the subject. I have referenced many of the links to his work which can be read online in my own books on the topic and within the epigenetic aspect of evolution on my blog at http://diggingupthefuture.com/
One day I might make enough money from these books (they are more about finding interested readers than financial gain - which given the controversial nature of the topic, it would be unlikely to gain much by selling them anyway), so that I could be the proud owner of this magnificent book and it would take pride of place on my bookshelves.

My own books are listed here in Goodreads under the titles: 'But Old Mr. Darwin Wasn't to Blame: The Little Book of Evolutionary "Quotes"'; 'The Epigenetic Caterpillar: An Alternative to the Neo-Darwinian view of the Peppered Moth Phenomenon' and, finally for now: 'Lamarck and the Sad Tale of the Blind Cave-Fish' by Maria B. O'Hare (in Paperback and ebook format).