Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity has been proposed as an ecological and evolutionary concept. Ecologically, it can help study how genes and the environment interact to produce robust phenotypes. Evolutionarily, as a facilitator it might contribute to phenotypic novelty and diversification. However, the discussion of phenotypic plasticity remains contentious in parts due to the absence of model systems and rigorous genetic studies. Here, we summarize recent work on the nematode Pristionchus pacificus, which exhibits a feeding plasticity allowing predatory or bacteriovorous feeding. We show feeding plasticity to be controlled by developmental switch genes that are themselves under epigenetic control. Phylogenetic and comparative studies support phenotypic plasticity and its role as a facilitator of morphological novelty and diversity.
Highlights
All organisms have to adapt to the environment and to environmental variation
In addition to being an ecological concept that allows studying how organisms respond to environmental variation, phenotypic plasticity represents an integral part of the evolutionary process
We summarize recent insight into the genetic regulation of a mouth-form feeding plasticity in the nematode P. pacificus
Summary
All organisms have to adapt to the environment and to environmental variation. Often, alternative conditions result in different expressions and values of traits, a phenomenon referred to as ‘phenotypic plasticity’. In addition to being an ecological concept that allows studying how organisms respond to environmental variation, phenotypic plasticity represents an integral part of the evolutionary process. Phenotypic plasticity represents environmental noise and is sometimes considered to even hinder evolution because environmentally induced variation may slow down the rate of adaptive processes [4,5]. This controversy largely depends on two limitations. Woltereck Johannsen Waddington Schmalhausen Bradshaw Schlichting/Pigliucci West-Eberhard reaction norm genotype – phenotype distinction canalization/assimilation genetic basis of plasticity facilitator hypothesis advantages of this system have allowed unbiased genetic approaches that provide detailed insight into the genetic control of plasticity and a molecular framework for studying the mechanisms of plasticity and genetic–environmental interactions. We will start with a brief historical account of phenotypic plasticity and its role for the evolution of novelty
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