Bernard J Crespi
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199216840
- eISBN:
- 9780191712043
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199216840.003.0013
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Human social communication is impaired in the two primary disorders of the ‘social brain’, autism, and schizophrenia. This chapter describes a new hypothesis for the role of language in the evolution ...
More
Human social communication is impaired in the two primary disorders of the ‘social brain’, autism, and schizophrenia. This chapter describes a new hypothesis for the role of language in the evolution and development of autism and schizophrenia: that the cores of these two conditions are disordered social communication, with dysregulated social-linguistic development mediated in part by extremes of bias in maternal vs paternal imprinted gene expression, resulting in extreme mentalistic vs extreme mechanistic cognition. It evaluates this hypothesis via tests of the molecular evolution of genes underlying schizophrenia and language, analyses of how the human social brain has evolved, and evaluation of the roles of genomic conflicts in human development, enculturation, and communication via study of the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of social-brain disorders. These convergent lines of evidence from evolutionary theory and neurogenomics support the hypothesis that psychosis represents the ‘illness that made us human’.Less
Human social communication is impaired in the two primary disorders of the ‘social brain’, autism, and schizophrenia. This chapter describes a new hypothesis for the role of language in the evolution and development of autism and schizophrenia: that the cores of these two conditions are disordered social communication, with dysregulated social-linguistic development mediated in part by extremes of bias in maternal vs paternal imprinted gene expression, resulting in extreme mentalistic vs extreme mechanistic cognition. It evaluates this hypothesis via tests of the molecular evolution of genes underlying schizophrenia and language, analyses of how the human social brain has evolved, and evaluation of the roles of genomic conflicts in human development, enculturation, and communication via study of the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of social-brain disorders. These convergent lines of evidence from evolutionary theory and neurogenomics support the hypothesis that psychosis represents the ‘illness that made us human’.
Daphne J. Fairbairn, Wolf U. Blanckenhorn, and Tamás Székely (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199208784
- eISBN:
- 9780191709036
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208784.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This book is an edited compendium of twenty chapters addressing the evolution, adaptive significance, and genetic and developmental basis of differences between the sexes in body size and morphology. ...
More
This book is an edited compendium of twenty chapters addressing the evolution, adaptive significance, and genetic and developmental basis of differences between the sexes in body size and morphology. General concepts and methodologies are introduced in Chapter 1, which also includes an overview of variation in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) with emphasis on extreme dimorphisms (i.e., dwarf males) and taxa not covered in subsequent chapters. Chapters 2-7 present new, comprehensive, comparative analyses of broad-scale patterns of SSD in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and insects, respectively. Chapters 8-15 comprise case studies of SSD within species or groups of closely related species. Flowering plants, insects, lizards, birds, and mammals are represented in this section. Chapters 16-20 emphasize proximate mechanisms underlying SSD and include theoretical explorations of anisogamy, genomic conflict, genomic imprinting, sex-linkage, and sex-specific gene expression, as well as experimental studies of sex-specific patterns of growth and development. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on testing hypotheses concerning the evolution and adaptive significance of SSD, and the importance of sexual selection on male size emerges as a common theme. However, this adaptationist approach is balanced by studies of proximate genetic, developmental, and physiological processes.Less
This book is an edited compendium of twenty chapters addressing the evolution, adaptive significance, and genetic and developmental basis of differences between the sexes in body size and morphology. General concepts and methodologies are introduced in Chapter 1, which also includes an overview of variation in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) with emphasis on extreme dimorphisms (i.e., dwarf males) and taxa not covered in subsequent chapters. Chapters 2-7 present new, comprehensive, comparative analyses of broad-scale patterns of SSD in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and insects, respectively. Chapters 8-15 comprise case studies of SSD within species or groups of closely related species. Flowering plants, insects, lizards, birds, and mammals are represented in this section. Chapters 16-20 emphasize proximate mechanisms underlying SSD and include theoretical explorations of anisogamy, genomic conflict, genomic imprinting, sex-linkage, and sex-specific gene expression, as well as experimental studies of sex-specific patterns of growth and development. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on testing hypotheses concerning the evolution and adaptive significance of SSD, and the importance of sexual selection on male size emerges as a common theme. However, this adaptationist approach is balanced by studies of proximate genetic, developmental, and physiological processes.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
Looking at both behavioural and molecular levels of analysis, this book presents the results of recent research into the biochemistry and neural mechanisms of imprinting. The book discusses some of ...
More
Looking at both behavioural and molecular levels of analysis, this book presents the results of recent research into the biochemistry and neural mechanisms of imprinting. The book discusses some of the difficulties that researchers have encountered in analyzing the neural basis of memory, and describes ways in which these difficulties have been overcome through the analysis of memories underlying habituation and imprinting. It also considers the biochemical consequences of imprinting and its cerebral localization, and examines the relationships between human and animal memory.Less
Looking at both behavioural and molecular levels of analysis, this book presents the results of recent research into the biochemistry and neural mechanisms of imprinting. The book discusses some of the difficulties that researchers have encountered in analyzing the neural basis of memory, and describes ways in which these difficulties have been overcome through the analysis of memories underlying habituation and imprinting. It also considers the biochemical consequences of imprinting and its cerebral localization, and examines the relationships between human and animal memory.
Geoffrey Hall
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521822
- eISBN:
- 9780191706677
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521822.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter continues the discussion of animal discrimination learning, concentrating on the effects produced by giving the animals prior exposure to the stimuli to be discriminated. The experiments ...
More
This chapter continues the discussion of animal discrimination learning, concentrating on the effects produced by giving the animals prior exposure to the stimuli to be discriminated. The experiments reviewed establish that such exposure facilitates subsequent discrimination. Analysis of the mechanisms involved indicates that this perceptual learning effect is multiply determined — that latent inhibition plays a role, as does the formation of associations among the various features of the pre-exposed stimuli. In addition, they suggest the operation of a further learning process that serves to boost the perceptual effectiveness of the distinctive features of the stimuli.Less
This chapter continues the discussion of animal discrimination learning, concentrating on the effects produced by giving the animals prior exposure to the stimuli to be discriminated. The experiments reviewed establish that such exposure facilitates subsequent discrimination. Analysis of the mechanisms involved indicates that this perceptual learning effect is multiply determined — that latent inhibition plays a role, as does the formation of associations among the various features of the pre-exposed stimuli. In addition, they suggest the operation of a further learning process that serves to boost the perceptual effectiveness of the distinctive features of the stimuli.
J. R. Krebs and G. Horn (eds)
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198521983
- eISBN:
- 9780191688492
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521983.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
The topics discussed in this volume have been chosen to represent studies in which both behavioural and neurobiological analysis have been emphasized. They include work on behavioural and neural ...
More
The topics discussed in this volume have been chosen to represent studies in which both behavioural and neurobiological analysis have been emphasized. They include work on behavioural and neural aspects of imprinting, song learning in birds, and spatial memory of food-storing birds. There are also overviews of neural and behavioural aspects of classical conditioning, the role of the hippocampus in spatial behaviour in mammals, and studies of learning in invertebrate model systems. The volume is based on a Royal Society Discussion Meeting held in February 1990 and the chapters have been published in the Society's Philosophical Transactions series B.Less
The topics discussed in this volume have been chosen to represent studies in which both behavioural and neurobiological analysis have been emphasized. They include work on behavioural and neural aspects of imprinting, song learning in birds, and spatial memory of food-storing birds. There are also overviews of neural and behavioural aspects of classical conditioning, the role of the hippocampus in spatial behaviour in mammals, and studies of learning in invertebrate model systems. The volume is based on a Royal Society Discussion Meeting held in February 1990 and the chapters have been published in the Society's Philosophical Transactions series B.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter discusses ways in which information is stored in the brain. Memory and habituation, and the characteristics of filial imprinting are discussed. Habituation is a form of learning wherein ...
More
This chapter discusses ways in which information is stored in the brain. Memory and habituation, and the characteristics of filial imprinting are discussed. Habituation is a form of learning wherein a behavioural or physiological response to a repeatedly applied stimulus wanes if the stimulus is not associated with a reward or punishment. Filial imprinting is the process whereby young birds form an attachment to their mother or some artificial substitute.Less
This chapter discusses ways in which information is stored in the brain. Memory and habituation, and the characteristics of filial imprinting are discussed. Habituation is a form of learning wherein a behavioural or physiological response to a repeatedly applied stimulus wanes if the stimulus is not associated with a reward or punishment. Filial imprinting is the process whereby young birds form an attachment to their mother or some artificial substitute.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
The finding in Chapter 2 that biochemical changes are associated with imprinting supports the view that learning involves changes in neural connectivity. However, biochemical changes may be caused by ...
More
The finding in Chapter 2 that biochemical changes are associated with imprinting supports the view that learning involves changes in neural connectivity. However, biochemical changes may be caused by a variety of factors of which learning is only one. This chapter describes three experiments aimed at controlling these factors. The possibility that biochemical changes reflect some aspect of information storage during the imprinting process was excluded by control procedures, whereas certain other explanations have been.Less
The finding in Chapter 2 that biochemical changes are associated with imprinting supports the view that learning involves changes in neural connectivity. However, biochemical changes may be caused by a variety of factors of which learning is only one. This chapter describes three experiments aimed at controlling these factors. The possibility that biochemical changes reflect some aspect of information storage during the imprinting process was excluded by control procedures, whereas certain other explanations have been.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter examines whether the whole or only some parts of the anterior of the forebrain roof is involved in the imprinting process. Changes in incorporation associated with training have been ...
More
This chapter examines whether the whole or only some parts of the anterior of the forebrain roof is involved in the imprinting process. Changes in incorporation associated with training have been observed only in a restricted part of the forebrain roof, the hyperstriatum ventrale. The region is approximately 2.4 millimetres long and is centred approximately on the midpoint between the anterior and posterior poles of the cerebral hemispheres.Less
This chapter examines whether the whole or only some parts of the anterior of the forebrain roof is involved in the imprinting process. Changes in incorporation associated with training have been observed only in a restricted part of the forebrain roof, the hyperstriatum ventrale. The region is approximately 2.4 millimetres long and is centred approximately on the midpoint between the anterior and posterior poles of the cerebral hemispheres.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0005
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter investigated whether the ‘intermediate and medial part of hyperstriatum ventrale’ (IMHV) is necessary for imprinting. The IMHV of chicks were lesioned and exposed to an imprinting ...
More
This chapter investigated whether the ‘intermediate and medial part of hyperstriatum ventrale’ (IMHV) is necessary for imprinting. The IMHV of chicks were lesioned and exposed to an imprinting stimulus. It was shown that if the IMHV is destroyed bilaterally before training, the chicks fail to develop a preference for the training object. If the region is destroyed bilaterally after training is complete, retention is severely impaired. The results suggest that the IMHV is critical for storing information having a direct influence on filial preferences.Less
This chapter investigated whether the ‘intermediate and medial part of hyperstriatum ventrale’ (IMHV) is necessary for imprinting. The IMHV of chicks were lesioned and exposed to an imprinting stimulus. It was shown that if the IMHV is destroyed bilaterally before training, the chicks fail to develop a preference for the training object. If the region is destroyed bilaterally after training is complete, retention is severely impaired. The results suggest that the IMHV is critical for storing information having a direct influence on filial preferences.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter examines the roles of the right and left IMHV in the retention of a preference. Results show a hemispheric asymmetry in the roles of the right and left IMHV in the imprinting process. ...
More
This chapter examines the roles of the right and left IMHV in the retention of a preference. Results show a hemispheric asymmetry in the roles of the right and left IMHV in the imprinting process. The left IMHV has a storage function and may itself be a store. Under special circumstances, the left and right IMHV may be removed, but the chick retains the previously acquired preference. Based on these data, the existence of another store is proposed, referred to as S'. The store appears to be formed slowly under the control of the IMHV, which may act as a buffer store.Less
This chapter examines the roles of the right and left IMHV in the retention of a preference. Results show a hemispheric asymmetry in the roles of the right and left IMHV in the imprinting process. The left IMHV has a storage function and may itself be a store. Under special circumstances, the left and right IMHV may be removed, but the chick retains the previously acquired preference. Based on these data, the existence of another store is proposed, referred to as S'. The store appears to be formed slowly under the control of the IMHV, which may act as a buffer store.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter investigates the effects of brain lesions on imprinting; the training objects were either a rotating flashing red box or a stuffed hen jungle-fowl. In experiments, the preferences of ...
More
This chapter investigates the effects of brain lesions on imprinting; the training objects were either a rotating flashing red box or a stuffed hen jungle-fowl. In experiments, the preferences of both chicks trained on the jungle fowl and chicks trained on the red box were reduced. The effect on the box-trained chicks was significant, while the effect on chicks trained on the jungle fowl was relatively weak. The preferences of young chicks were affected by two underlying processes. There is (i) a developing predisposition which becomes apparent as an increasing preference for the jungle fowl. The predisposition can be activated by non-specific experiences, and once activated interacts with (ii) a learning process through which chicks come to recognize specific objects to which they have been exposed. The IMHV is concerned with the second process.Less
This chapter investigates the effects of brain lesions on imprinting; the training objects were either a rotating flashing red box or a stuffed hen jungle-fowl. In experiments, the preferences of both chicks trained on the jungle fowl and chicks trained on the red box were reduced. The effect on the box-trained chicks was significant, while the effect on chicks trained on the jungle fowl was relatively weak. The preferences of young chicks were affected by two underlying processes. There is (i) a developing predisposition which becomes apparent as an increasing preference for the jungle fowl. The predisposition can be activated by non-specific experiences, and once activated interacts with (ii) a learning process through which chicks come to recognize specific objects to which they have been exposed. The IMHV is concerned with the second process.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter reviews evidence that activity in the sensory pathways is insufficient for information storage. The roles of noradrenaline and testosterone in imprinting processes are analyzed. The ...
More
This chapter reviews evidence that activity in the sensory pathways is insufficient for information storage. The roles of noradrenaline and testosterone in imprinting processes are analyzed. The concentration of noradrenaline in parts of the forebrain, including the IMHV, appears to limit acquisition particularly in chicks trained on the box. For fowl-trained chicks, preference for the jungle-fowl was associated with testosterone concentration in the plasma. The results suggest that at least some of the neural mechanisms underlying the preference for the box and for the fowl, respectively, are subject to different physiological constraints.Less
This chapter reviews evidence that activity in the sensory pathways is insufficient for information storage. The roles of noradrenaline and testosterone in imprinting processes are analyzed. The concentration of noradrenaline in parts of the forebrain, including the IMHV, appears to limit acquisition particularly in chicks trained on the box. For fowl-trained chicks, preference for the jungle-fowl was associated with testosterone concentration in the plasma. The results suggest that at least some of the neural mechanisms underlying the preference for the box and for the fowl, respectively, are subject to different physiological constraints.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter examines whether there are morphological and physiological changes in the IMHV associated with imprinting. When chicks were trained by exposure to a rotating red box, changes were ...
More
This chapter examines whether there are morphological and physiological changes in the IMHV associated with imprinting. When chicks were trained by exposure to a rotating red box, changes were detected in neuronal activity in the IMHV. Changes in the structure of synapses in the IMHV were studied in chicks trained by exposing them to a red box or to a flashing horizontal bar rotating upwards. Synaptic structures were modified by training regardless of the stimuli used. In both cases, training was associated with increased length of the post-synaptic density of synapses on dendritic spines. Synapses in the left IMHV were affected; no significant changes were observed in the right IMHV.Less
This chapter examines whether there are morphological and physiological changes in the IMHV associated with imprinting. When chicks were trained by exposure to a rotating red box, changes were detected in neuronal activity in the IMHV. Changes in the structure of synapses in the IMHV were studied in chicks trained by exposing them to a red box or to a flashing horizontal bar rotating upwards. Synaptic structures were modified by training regardless of the stimuli used. In both cases, training was associated with increased length of the post-synaptic density of synapses on dendritic spines. Synapses in the left IMHV were affected; no significant changes were observed in the right IMHV.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0011
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter discusses current knowledge about the organization of the IMHV, the kind of information to which it has access, and its influences on other parts of the brain. Topics covered include the ...
More
This chapter discusses current knowledge about the organization of the IMHV, the kind of information to which it has access, and its influences on other parts of the brain. Topics covered include the connections of the IMHV, chemical and cellular components of the IMHV, and cerebral circuits in birds and mammals.Less
This chapter discusses current knowledge about the organization of the IMHV, the kind of information to which it has access, and its influences on other parts of the brain. Topics covered include the connections of the IMHV, chemical and cellular components of the IMHV, and cerebral circuits in birds and mammals.
Gabriel Horn
- Published in print:
- 1985
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521563
- eISBN:
- 9780191706578
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521563.003.0012
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter reviews discussions in the preceding chapters. These include memory defects resulting from lesions of the brain, particularly the medial temporal lobe and parts of the diencephalons of ...
More
This chapter reviews discussions in the preceding chapters. These include memory defects resulting from lesions of the brain, particularly the medial temporal lobe and parts of the diencephalons of human subjects and macaque monkeys. These defects are compared with those of chicks with IMHV lesions. The memory needed to perform skills is distinguished from recognition memory. The relationship between imprinting and plasticity in the visual cortex of kittens is examined. The possible neural mechanisms underlying predispositions, and the way predispositions may interact with learning processes are considered in the context of species and individual recognition.Less
This chapter reviews discussions in the preceding chapters. These include memory defects resulting from lesions of the brain, particularly the medial temporal lobe and parts of the diencephalons of human subjects and macaque monkeys. These defects are compared with those of chicks with IMHV lesions. The memory needed to perform skills is distinguished from recognition memory. The relationship between imprinting and plasticity in the visual cortex of kittens is examined. The possible neural mechanisms underlying predispositions, and the way predispositions may interact with learning processes are considered in the context of species and individual recognition.
VASIF GAIBOV
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197263846
- eISBN:
- 9780191734113
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197263846.003.0014
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter describes the bullae or collection of imprints of seals on clay found at the Gobekly-depe in the Merv Oasis. The majority of bullae from Gobekly were found in the north and west ...
More
This chapter describes the bullae or collection of imprints of seals on clay found at the Gobekly-depe in the Merv Oasis. The majority of bullae from Gobekly were found in the north and west corridors and in the north-west room of the Parthian building, and a few bullae were also recorded in the south courtyard, adjacent to the west corridor, which came in various shapes and sizes. The chapter also describes a small group of bullae found on the floor of the courtyard that showed a scene with figures standing either side of a fire altar, representing a scene of the investiture of a king by a female deity.Less
This chapter describes the bullae or collection of imprints of seals on clay found at the Gobekly-depe in the Merv Oasis. The majority of bullae from Gobekly were found in the north and west corridors and in the north-west room of the Parthian building, and a few bullae were also recorded in the south courtyard, adjacent to the west corridor, which came in various shapes and sizes. The chapter also describes a small group of bullae found on the floor of the courtyard that showed a scene with figures standing either side of a fire altar, representing a scene of the investiture of a king by a female deity.
John C. Avise
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195393439
- eISBN:
- 9780199775415
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195393439.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns ...
More
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.Less
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.
Russell Bonduriansky
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199208784
- eISBN:
- 9780191709036
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208784.003.0020
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
The first section of this chapter presents new theory showing that sex-specific patterns of genomic imprinting may play a role in the genetic architecture and expression of sexually dimorphic traits. ...
More
The first section of this chapter presents new theory showing that sex-specific patterns of genomic imprinting may play a role in the genetic architecture and expression of sexually dimorphic traits. Empirical evidence tentatively supports this novel theory. The second section considers the potential role of condition dependence in the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Life history theory predicts that sexual dimorphism and condition dependence will co-evolve because the degree of exaggeration of male secondary sexual traits by sexual selection is expected to reflect the viability costs of trait expression and, therefore, the benefits of condition dependence. This prediction is supported by positive covariation of sexual dimorphism and condition dependence among morphological traits. Condition dependence of male traits is also expected to reduce intersexual genetic correlations, and thus mitigate intralocus sexual conflict and facilitate the evolution of sexual dimorphism.Less
The first section of this chapter presents new theory showing that sex-specific patterns of genomic imprinting may play a role in the genetic architecture and expression of sexually dimorphic traits. Empirical evidence tentatively supports this novel theory. The second section considers the potential role of condition dependence in the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Life history theory predicts that sexual dimorphism and condition dependence will co-evolve because the degree of exaggeration of male secondary sexual traits by sexual selection is expected to reflect the viability costs of trait expression and, therefore, the benefits of condition dependence. This prediction is supported by positive covariation of sexual dimorphism and condition dependence among morphological traits. Condition dependence of male traits is also expected to reduce intersexual genetic correlations, and thus mitigate intralocus sexual conflict and facilitate the evolution of sexual dimorphism.
Julian C. Knight
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199227693
- eISBN:
- 9780191711015
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199227693.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the role of genetic variation in modulating gene expression and how this can help resolve functionally important regulatory variants. The successful application of genetic ...
More
This chapter discusses the role of genetic variation in modulating gene expression and how this can help resolve functionally important regulatory variants. The successful application of genetic mapping techniques to define expression quantitative trait loci in model organisms including yeast and mice is discussed, together with evidence from studies of human populations. The need to take into account transcript isoform diversity resulting from alternative splicing is highlighted, together with the value of analysis based on allele-specific gene expression and at the protein level. The synergy between genome-wide disease association studies and analysis of the genetics of gene expression, also at a genome-wide level in terms of markers and expression traits, is illustrated by review of recent studies in asthma. The context specificity of regulatory variants is demonstrated, noting the importance of analysis in primary cells or tissues in conditions relevant to the disease or other trait of interest.Less
This chapter discusses the role of genetic variation in modulating gene expression and how this can help resolve functionally important regulatory variants. The successful application of genetic mapping techniques to define expression quantitative trait loci in model organisms including yeast and mice is discussed, together with evidence from studies of human populations. The need to take into account transcript isoform diversity resulting from alternative splicing is highlighted, together with the value of analysis based on allele-specific gene expression and at the protein level. The synergy between genome-wide disease association studies and analysis of the genetics of gene expression, also at a genome-wide level in terms of markers and expression traits, is illustrated by review of recent studies in asthma. The context specificity of regulatory variants is demonstrated, noting the importance of analysis in primary cells or tissues in conditions relevant to the disease or other trait of interest.
Luis Miguel García-Segura
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195326611
- eISBN:
- 9780199864881
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326611.003.0006
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic
This chapter examines the prominent role that hormones have in defining the timing and regional specificity of the plastic developmental changes in the central nervous system, and how they coordinate ...
More
This chapter examines the prominent role that hormones have in defining the timing and regional specificity of the plastic developmental changes in the central nervous system, and how they coordinate neural maturation with the maturation of other body systems. It analyzes the consequences that physiological, experimental, and pathological alterations in hormonal levels during the developmental period have for the future plastic responses of the central nervous system in response to the changing external and internal environment.Less
This chapter examines the prominent role that hormones have in defining the timing and regional specificity of the plastic developmental changes in the central nervous system, and how they coordinate neural maturation with the maturation of other body systems. It analyzes the consequences that physiological, experimental, and pathological alterations in hormonal levels during the developmental period have for the future plastic responses of the central nervous system in response to the changing external and internal environment.
