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The Genetics of Phenotypic Plasticity. XIV. Coevolution.
Samuel M Scheiner1, Richard Gomulkiewicz, Robert D Holt
1Division of Environmental Biology, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230.
The American Naturalist
|April 24, 2015
Summary
Coevolution significantly impacts the evolution of phenotypic plasticity more than plasticity affects coevolutionary outcomes. This effect is stronger in antagonistic interactions, highlighting the importance of ecological context.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Ecology
- Theoretical biology
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to adjust traits in response to environmental changes (abiotic or biotic).
- Biotic interactions, such as predation or competition, can drive coevolutionary dynamics between species.
- Understanding the interplay between coevolution and phenotypic plasticity is crucial for predicting evolutionary trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coevolutionary dynamics of two phenotypically plastic species.
- To examine how ecological (natural selection) and developmental interactions shape phenotypes.
- To determine the relative influence of coevolution versus phenotypic plasticity on evolutionary outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized individual-based simulations to model interactions between two species.
- Explored scenarios with both abiotic and biotic effectors on phenotypes.
- Analyzed the impact of ecological and developmental interaction modes.
Main Results:
- Coevolution exerted a stronger influence on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity than vice versa.
- Antagonistic coevolutionary outcomes (e.g., predator-prey) had a greater effect on plasticity evolution than augmenting outcomes (e.g., competition, mutualism).
- Biotic interactions generally reduced selection for plasticity, even when only abiotic factors influenced trait development.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of phenotypic plasticity is intrinsically linked to the broader ecological context of a species.
- Integrating coevolutionary and phenotypic plasticity theories enhances understanding of both.
- Results suggest new avenues for empirical research on species interactions and adaptation.
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