Normal genetic variation of the human foot: part 1: the paradox of normal anatomical alignment in an evolutionary epigenetic context.
Molecular genetics is changing our understanding of the developmental translation of genotype to phenotype between and within different phylogenetic groups. Together with a growing understanding of our own evolutionary relationships to common ancestors, the epigenetic processes involved enforce a reexamination of what is regarded as a normal foot structure. A revised populationist approach is proposed and supported by paleoanthropologic evidence that reflects a picture of emerging suitability for bipedalism that is driven by natural genetic divergence.
Podiatric Surgery, Holywell Healthcare, Chesterfield, England. gregquinn.podsurgeon@gmail.com
Greg
G
Quinn
D005075:Biological Evolution; D057890:Epigenomics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype