One genome, multiple phenotypes: decoding the evolution and mechanisms of environmentally induced developmental
Kane J Yoon1, Christopher B Cunningham2, Amanda Bretman1
1School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, U.K.
Biochemical Society Transactions
|March 17, 2023
Summary
Developmental plasticity allows insects to change traits based on environmental cues, even with identical genomes. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and evolution of this adaptive process.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Developmental plasticity, the ability of a single genotype to produce multiple phenotypes in response to environmental cues, is widespread in nature.
- Insects provide key examples of developmental plasticity, including horn size in beetles, eyespot size in butterflies, and caste determination in eusocial insects.
- This phenomenon allows individuals to adapt to changing environments, impacting fitness and evolution.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on insect developmental plasticity using prominent examples.
- It identifies critical gaps in understanding the mechanisms and evolutionary pathways of plasticity.
- The review advocates for a comparative, evo-devo framework to address these knowledge gaps.
Key Points:
- Environmental cues during development can trigger significant phenotypic changes from identical genomes.
- Developmental plasticity is crucial for individual fitness and rapid adaptation to environmental shifts.
- Mechanistic understanding of how developmental plasticity functions and evolves remains limited.
Conclusions:
- Further research integrating diverse species is essential for a comprehensive understanding of developmental plasticity.
- Comparative studies within an evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) framework are vital for elucidating the mechanisms and evolution of plasticity.
- Addressing knowledge gaps will enhance our understanding of adaptation and evolution in response to environmental change.
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