Adaptive Alignment of Plasticity With Genetic Variation and Selection

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Quantitative genetics

Background:

• Theoretical research predicts alignment between genetic variance-covariance matrices (G), phenotypic plasticity, and selection surfaces.
• This alignment is expected under adaptive evolution in multivariate trait spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the theoretical basis and mathematical definition of alignment between G, plasticity, and selection.
• To outline methods for testing this alignment in empirical populations.
• To address caveats, particularly concerning non-adaptive plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical frameworks in evolutionary quantitative genetics.
• Mathematical explication of the alignment concept.
• Discussion of empirical testing strategies and potential pitfalls.

Main Results:

• The prediction of alignment holds primarily for adaptive phenotypic plasticity.
• Non-adaptive or maladaptive plasticity can lead to deviations from predicted alignment.
• Understanding these deviations offers insights into evolutionary processes.

Conclusions:

• Alignment between G, plasticity, and selection is a key prediction for adaptive evolution.
• Empirical assessment requires careful consideration of plasticity's adaptive status.
• Deviations from alignment provide valuable information about evolutionary dynamics and constraints.