Citation
Nongenetic inheritance and its evolutionary implications
TL;DR
Multiple inheritance systems operate alongside genetic inheritance
Comprehensive review of inheritance mechanisms beyond DNA, including ecological inheritance, epigenetic inheritance, and cultural inheritance. Provides theoretical foundation for understanding how organizations transmit advantages through constructed environments rather than just through explicit knowledge transfer.
Key Findings from Bonduriansky & Day (2009)
- Multiple inheritance systems operate alongside genetic inheritance
- Ecological inheritance can accelerate adaptation to persistent environmental conditions
- Nongenetic inheritance can maintain traits that would otherwise be selected against