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Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
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Adaptive transgenerational effects remain significant.

Yuan-Ye Zhang1, Junjie Yin1, Ming Zhou1

  • 1Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.

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|August 27, 2020
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Transgenerational effects, which are inherited traits passed across generations, are largely adaptive. Our meta-analysis confirms this key evolutionary finding, despite recent commentary.

Keywords:
meta-analysisphylogenetic non-independencetransgenerational effect

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Ecology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • A recent study's conclusions on transgenerational effects were questioned.
  • The commentary overlooked critical evolutionary assumptions in its reanalysis.
  • Issues raised were addressed during the peer-review process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reaffirm the validity of our meta-analysis findings.
  • To address criticisms regarding methodology and transparency.
  • To assert the adaptive nature of transgenerational effects.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of existing studies on transgenerational effects.
  • Re-evaluation of evolutionary assumptions in ecological research.
  • Response to critical commentary within the scientific community.

Main Results:

  • The core conclusion that transgenerational effects are largely adaptive remains robust.
  • Criticisms did not invalidate the original findings.
  • The study's methodology and transparency were defended.

Conclusions:

  • Transgenerational effects play a significant adaptive role in evolution.
  • The original meta-analysis conclusions are supported.
  • Scientific discourse and peer review strengthen research validity.