Randy

The old Lamarkian epithet doesn't hold as much power due to the dawn of the
study of epigenetics (changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other
than changes in the underlying DNA sequence)

> Epigenetic features may play a role in short-term adaptation of species by
allowing for reversible phenotype variability. The modification of
epigenetic features associated with a region of DNA allows organisms, on a
multi-generational time scale, to switch between phenotypes that express and
repress that particular gene. Whereas the DNA sequence of the region is not
mutated, this change is reversible. It has also been speculated that
organisms may take advantage of differential mutation rates associated with
epigenetic features to control the mutation rates of particular genes.

> Epigenetic changes have also been observed to occur in response to
environmental exposure— for example, mice given some dietary supplements
have epigenetic changes affecting expression of the agouti gene, which
affects their fur color, weight, and propensity to develop cancer.

Pete

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