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Epigenetics in natural animal populations
1Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|June 10, 2017
Summary
Epigenetic variation, influenced by the environment, can shape how organisms respond to change. This epigenetic plasticity may play a key role in the evolution and adaptation of animal populations to changing climates.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for populations adapting to environmental changes.
- Genetic variation influences plasticity, but epigenetic variation is increasingly recognized for its role.
- Epigenetic variation is more sensitive to environmental factors and has higher mutation rates than genetic variation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on epigenetically encoded thermal plasticity in animals.
- To discuss the role of epigenetic effects in adaptation and population epigenetics.
- To evaluate the evolutionary potential of epigenetic variation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on epigenetic effects on thermal plasticity in animals.
- Exploration of population epigenetics in natural animal populations.
- Evaluation of epigenetic variation's autonomy from genetic variation and its transgenerational stability.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic mechanisms mediate environmentally-induced phenotypic plasticity within and across generations.
- Epigenetic variation contributes to adaptation in natural animal populations.
- Epigenetic variation has evolutionary potential, though causal links are still being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic variation is a significant factor in phenotypic plasticity and adaptation.
- Understanding ecological epigenetics is vital for predicting organismal adaptation to climate change.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the causal links between epigenetic variation and phenotypic plasticity.
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