Epigenetics: Linking Genotype and Phenotype in Development and Evolution

Illuminating the processes and patterns that link genotype to phenotype, epigenetics seeks to explain features, characters, and developmental mechanisms that can only be understood in terms of interactions that arise above the level of the gene. With chapters written by leading authorities, this volume offers a broad integrative survey of epigenetics. Approaching this complex subject from a variety of perspectives, it presents a broad, historically grounded view that demonstrates the utility of this approach for understanding complex biological systems in development, disease, and evolution. C.

A brief history of the term and concept epigenetics / Brian K. Hall -- Heuristic reductionism and the relative significance of epigenetic inheritance in evolution / James Griesemer -- The epigenetics of genomic imprinting : core epigenetic processes are conserved in mammals, insects, and plants / Lori A. McEachern and Vett Lloyd -- Methylation mapping in humans / Christoph Grunau -- Asexuality and epigenetic variation / Root Gorelick, Manfred Laubichler, and Rachel Massicotte -- Epigenesis, preformation, and the Humpty Dumpty problem / Ellen W. Larsen and Joel Atallah -- A principle of developmental inertia / Allesandro Minelli -- The role of epigenetics in nervous system development / Chris Kovach, Pierre Mattar, and Carol Schuurmans -- Morphogenesis of pigment patterns : experimental and modeling approaches / Lennart Olsson -- Epigenetic interactions of the cardiac neural crest / Martha Alonzo, Kathleen K. Smith, and Margaret L. Kirby -- Epigenetics in bone and cartilage development / Tamara A. Franz-Odendaal -- Muscle-bone interactions and the development of skeletal phenotype : jaw muscles and the skull / Susan W. Herring -- Evolution of the apical ectoderm in the developing v…