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Evolution of phenotypic plasticity during environmental fluctuations.

Zuzana Sekajova1, Erlend I F Fossen1,2, Elena Rosa1

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In variable environments, nematode worms evolved greater body size plasticity but not bet-hedging. This study explored evolutionary strategies in fluctuating temperatures.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Variable environments can influence evolutionary trajectories, potentially favoring phenotypic plasticity or bet-hedging over genetic canalization.
  • Theoretical studies often contrast plasticity and bet-hedging, but empirical investigations examining their simultaneous evolution are rare.
  • Understanding these adaptive strategies is crucial for predicting species' responses to environmental change.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To empirically investigate the simultaneous evolution of phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging in response to different temperature variability regimes.
  • To compare the adaptive significance of evolved plasticity and bet-hedging strategies in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis remanei.
  • To assess the potential for further evolutionary adaptation based on standing genetic variation.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental evolution of Caenorhabditis remanei for 30 generations under two distinct temperature variability regimes: fast cycles and slow increase.
  • Measurement of adult body size and fitness of evolved populations across different temperatures (20°C and 25°C).
  • Analysis of phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging strategies based on environmental conditions and offspring performance.

Main Results:

  • Experimental evolution in fast temperature cycles led to increased body size plasticity compared to the slowly changing environment.
  • No significant increase in bet-hedging was observed in either experimental regime.
  • Evolved plasticity followed the temperature size rule and was adaptive, with substantial standing genetic variation for body size identified.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid environmental fluctuations select for increased phenotypic plasticity, specifically in body size, in Caenorhabditis remanei.
  • Bet-hedging strategies were not favored under the tested conditions, suggesting plasticity is a more immediate adaptive response.
  • The presence of standing genetic variation indicates potential for continued adaptation to changing environments.