Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
04:20
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
2.3K
Reduced phenotypic plasticity evolves in less predictable environments
Christelle Leung1, Marie Rescan1, Daphné Grulois1
1CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France.
Ecology Letters
|September 2, 2020
Summary
Phenotypic plasticity evolved to lower levels in less predictable environments, challenging evolutionary theory. This study highlights the need for long-term experiments to understand adaptation to environmental change.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Ecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for organisms adapting to environmental variability and influences extinction risk.
- Evolutionary theory suggests plasticity decreases with environmental unpredictability to avoid maladaptive responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally test the evolutionary theory of phenotypic plasticity under varying environmental predictability.
- To investigate the long-term adaptive responses of a microalgal species to fluctuating salinity.
Main Methods:
- Exposed 32 lines of Dunaliella salina to controlled, fluctuating salinity environments with different predictability levels for 500 generations.
- Monitored morphological plasticity evolution, focusing on slow growth phases.
Main Results:
- Lines in less predictable environments evolved reduced morphological plasticity.
- Plasticity evolution primarily occurred during slow population growth phases, not exponential growth phases.
Conclusions:
- Experimental results support the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity decreases under less predictable environmental conditions.
- Long-term experiments are essential for understanding population dynamics and adaptation to environmental unpredictability, relevant to climate change impacts.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
7.2K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
7.2K
03:33Genetic Drift
42.5K
Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.
42.5K
01:38Limits to Natural Selection
33.7K
Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.
33.7K
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
1.1K
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations,...
Beyond physical adaptations,...
1.1K
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
22.8K
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
22.8K
01:09Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
61.3K
In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).
61.3K