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Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Using Generative Art to Convey Past and Future Climate Transitions
Published on: March 31, 2023
Plasticity in climate change responses
Angelika Stollewerk1, Pavel Kratina1, Arnaud Sentis2
1Department of Biology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, London, E1 4NS, UK.
Abstract:
Recent research has shown that climate change can both induce and modulate the expression of plastic traits but our understanding of the role of phenotypic plasticity as an adaptive response to climate change is limited. In this review, we dissect the mechanisms and impact of phenotypic plasticity as a response to accumulating climatic pressures on the individual, species and community levels. (i) We discuss how plasticity can affect individuals, populations and community dynamics and how climate change can alter the role of plasticity. We hypothesise that some pathways to phenotypic plasticity such as irreversible and anticipatory organismal responses will be reduced under increasing climate change. (ii) We then propose an integrated conceptual framework for studying phenotypic plasticity to advance our understanding of the feedbacks between the different levels of biological organisation. (iii) By formulating as yet unaddressed research questions within and across levels of biological organisation, we aim to instigate new research on phenotypic plasticity and its role in climate change responses.
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