Adaptive developmental plasticity: what is it, how can we recognize it and when can it evolve?

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Developmental plasticity refers to lasting phenotypic changes induced by early developmental inputs.
• Adaptive developmental plasticity (ADP) suggests these changes are favored by natural selection.
• Understanding the conditions and mechanisms of ADP is crucial for evolutionary and ecological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze hypotheses concerning adaptive developmental plasticity (ADP).
• To develop guidelines for empirically testing whether specific instances of developmental plasticity are adaptive.
• To distinguish between different types of ADP and their evolutionary conditions.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of assumptions and predictions for adaptive developmental plasticity hypotheses.
• Distinction between informational ADP (input signals future environment) and somatic state-based ADP (input alters internal state).
• Formulation of fitness-based criteria and ancillary predictions to differentiate ADP types.

Main Results:

• Identified two primary types of adaptive developmental plasticity: informational and somatic state-based.
• Proposed that both types exist but evolve under distinct environmental and biological conditions.
• Established core fitness predictions applicable to all ADP, alongside type-specific predictions.

Conclusions:

• Adaptive developmental plasticity is a significant evolutionary mechanism.
• The informational and somatic state-based frameworks provide a robust basis for empirical research.
• Clear criteria are established to test and differentiate the adaptive nature and mechanisms of developmental plasticity.