"This book takes a stance on evolution
that goes beyond natural selection and the Modern Synthesis
to incorporate the emergence of new forms through epigenetic
processes, which are referred to as the "user" of the
"genetic toolkit" . . . Epigenetic Principles of Evolution
provides a convincing, comprehensive compilation of
evidence for the importance of epigenetic processes
in metazoan evolution. I recommend it."
Dr. Eva Jablonka for
BioEssays:
"Cabej attempts to explain the major
changes in the evolutionary history of animals (novelties,
reversions, losses, atavisms, and convergences), as
well as animal speciation process, as the results of
heritable epigenetic variations initiated in the central
nervous system (CNS) during development. This is an
interesting point of view, which at first sight is similar
to those suggested by West-Eberhard in Developmental
Plasticity and Evolution (2003), and by Jablonka and
Lamb in Evolution in Four Dimensions (2005). . . I believe
that Cabej is right in arguing that the evolution of
the nervous system significantly altered and accelerated
metazoan evolution. His focus of the evolution of the
neuron and the first nervous systems from a primitive
neuro-endocrine system is interesting neuro-endocrine
system is interesting and deserves to be given an important
place in evolutionary studies . . . Epigenetic Principles
of Evolution . . . covers a very wide area and provides
a host of useful examples arguing convincingly that
the nervous system has a central role in animal evolution."
†Reviews correspond to the 2008 edition.
