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Phenotypic Switching Resulting From Developmental Plasticity: Fixed or Reversible?
1Developmental Integrative Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Physiology
|February 11, 2020
Summary
Developmental phenotypic switching is not always irreversible. Many animals can correct switched phenotypes later in development, returning to normal adult traits.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Phenotypic plasticity
Background:
- The prevailing view suggests developmental phenotypic switching is irreversible after critical windows.
- However, the potential for reversal later in development remains an open question.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether animals can reverse developmental phenotypic switches.
- To explore the concept of developmental plasticity and its role in phenotype correction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and examples across diverse taxa.
- Analysis of cases demonstrating phenotypic reversal or correction.
Main Results:
- Numerous examples show capacity for reversal/correction of switched phenotypes into adulthood.
- Invertebrates exhibit extreme reversal by backtracking developmental trajectories.
- Phenotypic plasticity allows for correction, resulting in normal adult phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Developmental phenotypic switching should encompass plasticity for subsequent correction.
- The concept needs expansion to include the capacity for returning to normal adult phenotypes.
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