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Phenotypic plasticity and evolution by genetic assimilation.

Massimo Pigliucci¹, Courtney J Murren, Carl D Schlichting

¹Department of Ecology and Evolution, SUNY-Stony Brook, 650 Life Science Building, Stony Brook NY 11794, USA. pigliucci@genotypbyenvironment.com

The Journal of Experimental Biology

|May 30, 2006

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Evolutionary theory is debating the Modern Synthesis, with new concepts like phenotypic plasticity causing controversy. Misunderstandings about these concepts and their roles in evolution fuel the debate.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Developmental biology

Background:

The Modern Synthesis, established in the 1930s-1940s, is currently under debate regarding its limitations.
Recent discussions include concepts like phenotypic plasticity, genetic assimilation, and phenotypic accommodation.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the arguments and counter-arguments surrounding the Modern Synthesis.
To clarify conceptual misunderstandings influencing the evolutionary theory debate.

Main Methods:

Literature review of evolutionary biology discussions.
Analysis of theoretical and empirical studies on phenotypic plasticity and related concepts.

Main Results:

The controversy often stems from fears of overturning the Modern Synthesis.

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Conceptual confusion exists regarding the roles of phenotypic plasticity and natural selection.

Conclusions:

Misunderstandings, not a wholesale rejection of the Modern Synthesis, are central to the debate.
Clarifying the roles of phenotypic plasticity and natural selection is crucial for evolutionary theory.