Question

what is the effect of environmentally induced transgenerational epigenetics on natural selection, give an example.

Answer 1

What is the effect of environmentally induced transgenerational epigenetics on natural selections………….

You need to keep in mind that transgenerational effects is believed to help in modifying the natural Phenotypes of any offspring generation. So it is obvious that transgenerational effects lay a very important role in the evolution and ecology for any species.

Scientists across the globe have spent their time in studying this effect for multiple plant species for multiple generations with an aim to understand the evolution much better in the species that are able to reproduce sexually.

Epigenetic is considered as a type of modification that is done to the evolution of these species. It is referred to as study of genetic changes (changes done in the particular type of genes). These changes may mainly occur because of the modification done in the DNA or RNA factor of the genes.

Is it heritable?

Now as the changes or modification is done to the genes, so it is obvious that after certain period of time, these changes become heritable by a particular species in which epigenetic has been implemented.

Is it evolution?

This changes (whether big or small) may in fact effect the process of evolution of the species. Even if this is the case, still it may be right to say that the process of epigenetic may not be considered as evolution. So as it is not evolution so it will not make any permanent changes in the DNA of the species. These are the type of changes that are in fact referred to as induced or biological types.

Benefits

So if we speak of the benefits, there may be many, especially in present time. In humans as well, epigenetic may help in passing on selected traits from one generation to another. So if you have good traits like good health and disease free life, then these can be passed on from one generation to another.

In plants this technique can be used in passing on healthier traits as well from one generation to another. This technique can be used to produce better quality fruits and seeds from the offspring plants. As the process is selective so, only desired traits can be selected to be passed on from one generation to another.

This certainly is most important benefit of epigenetic over natural selections.

Example:-

In plants we can produce good quality fruits or pods by selecting many traits like color, size and nutritional values.

New breeds of cattle can be produced that will give more milk and better quality wool or fur.

More intelligent human offspring can be produced who are disease free, highly intelligent, more effortful and physically healthier.

Any disease that is hereditary ad can be passed on from one generation to another via genes can be eliminated when selecting traits for offspring.