https://library.icmglt.org/files/original/784e66d5800bb454b652bbcca9db425e.pdf cb5569e074e5781d12cbfdd92513befe Electronic Resource View Source <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/biology5020024">https://doi.org/10.3390/biology5020024</a> Document Type Journal article Author(s) Warren Burggren Volume Vol. 5 Issue No. 2 Publisher MDPI Journal Name Biology Publication Date 2016 ISBN 20797737 Language English Access Open Access Abstract Epigenetics increasingly occupies a pivotal position in our understanding of inheritance, natural selection and, perhaps, even evolution. A survey of the PubMed database, however, reveals that the great majority (>93%) of epigenetic papers have an intra-, rather than an inter-generational focus, primarily on mechanisms and disease. Approximately ~1% of epigenetic papers even mention the nexus of epigenetics, natural selection and evolution. Yet, when environments are dynamic (e.g., climate change effects), there may be an “epigenetic advantage” to phenotypic switching by epigenetic inheritance, rather than by gene mutation. An epigenetically-inherited trait can arise simultaneously in many individuals, as opposed to a single individual with a gene mutation. Moreover, a transient epigenetically-modified phenotype can be quickly “sunsetted”, with individuals reverting to the original phenotype. Thus, epigenetic phenotype switching is dynamic and temporary and can help bridge periods of environmental stress. Epigenetic inheritance likely contributes to evolution both directly and indirectly. While there is as yet incomplete evidence of direct permanent incorporation of a complex epigenetic phenotype into the genome, doubtlessly, the presence of epigenetic markers and the phenotypes they create (which may sort quite separately from the genotype within a population) will influence natural selection and, so, drive the collective genotype of a population. Cataloger Maria Qureshi Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Epigenetic Inheritance and Its Role in Evolutionary Biology: Re-Evaluation and New Perspectives Subject The topic of the resource Epigenetics Climate Change Environment Loss Evolutionary Theory Genomic