General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Evolution Will Not Favor Those Who Refuse Vaccination [View all]targetpractice
(4,919 posts)It was once thought that prior to human beings, the only means of information transfer from one generation to the next was by genetic inheritance. Once humans evolved (and now we know other animals), intra generational information transfer became possible... stories, oral storytelling, teaching, written language, books, broadcast radio/tv, the internet, etc. Prior to that stuff the only information transfer mechanism within a species was genetics.
Richard Dawkins introduced the concept of "memetics" that acted in parallel with genetics". He coined the term "meme" which a human thought, idea, lesson, or concept communicated to others within a generation. Today, "memes" have a new meaning, of course. The "fire is hot" and the "Catholicism" memes are learned, not passed on to offspring by genetic transfer.
Memes come and go quickly compared to genetic evolution. I think certainly your examples of "social inheritance" are true, but only humans can do that. Children learn behaviors and patterns from our parents whether we like it or not. I also think some personality disorders are likely genetic (e.g. propensity for depression, malignant narcissism, etc)... Research now shows that genetic expression of traits can be altered by epigentics... due to environmental factors in utero (humans) or early in life... It's been a while since I cracked a book on the subject... So, I'm not sure if epigenetic traits are passed on through reproduction.