Pangenesis as a source of new genetic information. The history of a now disproven theory.
Evolution is based on natural selection of existing biological phenotypic traits. Natural selection can only eliminate traits. It cannot create new ones, requiring a theory to explain the origin of new genetic information. The theory of pangenesis was a major attempt to explain the source of new genetic information required to produce phenotypic variety. This theory, advocated by Darwin as the main source of genetic variety, has now been empirically disproved. It is currently a theory mainly of interest to science historians.
Bergman
Gerald
G
Northwest State College, Archbold, Ohio 43502, USA. jbergman@northweststate.edu
D005075:Biological Evolution; D005060:Europe; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D040582:Inheritance Patterns; D019021:Natural History / Q000266:history; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010641:Phenotype; D019655:Quantitative Trait, Heritable; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D012958:Societies, Scientific / Q000266:history; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States