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The role of phenotypic plasticity in driving genetic evolution
Trevor D Price1, Anna Qvarnström, Darren E Irwin
1Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. pricet@uchicago.edu
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|September 11, 2003
Summary
Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental changes, can significantly influence genetic evolution. Moderate plasticity aids population survival and adaptation, while high plasticity may hinder genetic change.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Traditional models of population divergence often prioritize genetic factors and natural selection.
- Phenotypic plasticity is increasingly recognized as a significant driver of evolutionary change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of phenotypic plasticity in driving genetic evolution using the adaptive landscape metaphor.
- To explore how phenotypic plasticity influences population divergence and speciation.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual review utilizing the adaptive landscape metaphor.
- Analysis of evolutionary mechanisms influenced by phenotypic plasticity.
- Case studies on bird plumage coloration and foraging behavior evolution.
Main Results:
- Moderate levels of phenotypic plasticity are optimal for population survival and adaptation.
- High plasticity can promote persistence but may reduce the rate of genetic change.
- Behavioral plasticity can initiate selection on other traits, driving evolution in novel directions.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic plasticity can accelerate, decelerate, or have minimal impact on evolutionary change.
- Moderate plasticity often facilitates genetic evolution, but specific case analyses are crucial.
- Understanding plasticity's role is key to deciphering population differentiation.