The evolution of phenotypic switching in subdivided populations

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Population genetics
• Phenotypic plasticity

Background:

• Stochastic switching, a form of phenotypic bet hedging, allows offspring to adopt different phenotypes from parents.
• While studied under temporal variation, its evolution under combined spatial and temporal fluctuations is less understood.
• Phenotypic switching is observed in viruses, yeast, and bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic switching under both spatial and temporal environmental variability.
• To explore the interplay between these environmental factors and their influence on switching rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a population genetic model.
• Simulated scenarios with fluctuating selection pressures in both space and time.

Main Results:

• The stable switching rate is primarily determined by the rate of environmental change and migration rate.
• Higher rates of environmental change and migration lead to specific stable switching rates.
• Recombination rate has a weaker, inverse effect on the stable switching rate.

Conclusions:

• Spatial and temporal environmental variability interact to influence the evolution of phenotypic switching.
• Migration plays a crucial role in modulating phenotypic switching rates, potentially impacting mutation rates and other variations.
• Environmental dynamism is a key driver in the evolution of bet-hedging strategies.