Search results for "genetic assimilation"
showing 2 items of 2 documents
Epigenetic mutations can both help and hinder adaptive evolution.
2015
Epigenetic variation is being integrated into our understanding of adaptation, yet we lack models on how epigenetic mutations affect evolution that includes de novo genetic change. We model the effects of epigenetic mutations on the dynamics and endpoints of adaptive walks—a process where a series of beneficial mutations move a population towards a fitness optimum. We use an individual-based model of an asexual population, where mutational effects are drawn from Fisher's geometric model. We find cases where epigenetic mutations speed adaptation or result in populations with higher fitness. However, we also find cases where they slow adaptation or result in populations with lower fitness. Th…
Concepts for a Theoretical Biology
2015
Waddington is the father of Theoretical Biology and many concepts that are now the common currency of Biology-based language were coined by him, such as channelling, robustness or epigenetics. Waddington believes it is essential to work on a theory of the phenotype. The deployment of genotype to give rise to phenotype brings into play many of the laws required to formulate a theory of life. In recent times, Waddington is the best example of an advocate of cell theory; however, he was not in favour of a gene-centred approach to the study of biological evolution.