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Evolution of phenotypic plasticity: where are we going now?
1Department of Ecology and Evolution, SUNY Stony Brook, 650 Life Science Bldg, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. pigliucci@genotypebyenvironment.org
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 17, 2006
Summary
Phenotypic plasticity research has evolved, shifting focus from variation as a nuisance to a key evolutionary target. Future research will likely concentrate on the costs of plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity research has advanced significantly.
- Historically, variation for plasticity was viewed as a nuisance in evolutionary studies.
- Current research prioritizes plasticity as a primary target of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in phenotypic plasticity research.
- To identify areas requiring further investigation.
- To highlight emerging research frontiers.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative genetics
- Molecular genetics
- Modeling the evolution of plastic responses
Main Results:
- Research on the quantitative genetic basis of plasticity is largely settled or superseded.
- The costs of plasticity are a current forefront of research.
- New approaches and questions are driving the field forward.
Conclusions:
- The field of phenotypic plasticity has matured, with established areas and emerging frontiers.
- Future research will likely focus on the costs and evolutionary implications of plasticity.