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Development and evolution of adaptive polyphenisms.

H Frederik Nijhout1

  • 1Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. hfn@duke.edu

Evolution & Development
|December 21, 2002
PubMed
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Phenotypic plasticity, the ability to change traits, is influenced by environmental factors. Evolution can favor buffering against change or adaptive plastic responses, often mediated by endocrine mechanisms during development.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Phenotypic plasticity is a fundamental biological concept, representing the primitive state for many traits.
  • Environmental variables like temperature and nutrient availability significantly impact developmental and physiological processes.
  • Evolutionary pressures can lead to either buffering of phenotypes against environmental variation or the selection of adaptive plastic responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary implications of phenotypic plasticity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying continuous (reaction norms) and discontinuous (polyphenisms) phenotypic plasticity.
  • To understand the role of environmental cues and endocrine systems in insect polyphenisms.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of evolutionary theory regarding phenotypic plasticity.
  • Examination of developmental pathways and their sensitivity to environmental factors.
  • Review of studies on insect polyphenisms and their endocrine regulation.

    • Main Results:

    • Phenotypic plasticity is sensitive to environmental variables, influencing fitness.
    • Evolutionary selection can favor either phenotype stabilization or adaptive phenotypic variation.
    • Insect polyphenisms are often triggered by token environmental stimuli that alter endocrine pathways, leading to alternative developmental outcomes.

    Conclusions:

    • Phenotypic plasticity is a key target for evolutionary selection.
    • Environmental cues acting through endocrine systems orchestrate alternative developmental pathways, enabling significant morphological changes.
    • The compartmentalization of endocrine interactions allows for integrated, localized morphological modifications within organisms.