Predictive Adaptive Response

Question 1

Are epigenetic changes always negative?

Answer 1

Not necessarily—they may prepare the child for the expected environment

Question 2

What is a “predictive adaptive response”?

Answer 2

The embryo adjusts development in anticipation of the postnatal environment (Bateson et al., 2014).

Question 3

Give an example of a predictive adaptive response.

Answer 3

Heightened fight-or-flight response in children expected to grow up in dangerous environments.