Abstract

In this chapter, we summarise the contribution of research in birds to the field of epigenetics and development, both from the Waddingtonian and molecular perspectives. We compiled the most relevant bird research in the field, starting with the Aristotelian concept of epigenesis, describing the preformation versus epigenesis dichotomy of the renaissance and finally presenting state-of-the art developmental and molecular research. We also summarise the main environmental influences known to affect bird’s development, including hypoxia, temperature and toxicants as well as their phenotypic effects. We present current research in birds describing molecular epigenetic changes in response to common environmental exposures, such as to stressors. In parallel, we also explore the relevance of epigenetics to understand evolutionary process, describing both relevant classical publications and current research in birds. We also present cases of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and explore the contribution of birds to understand genomic dynamics in evolution.