We studied the evolution of developmental plasticity in populations of
Drosophila melanogaster
that evolved at either constant or fluctuating temperatures. Consistent with theory, genotypes that evolved at a constant 16°C or 25°C performed best when raised and tested at that temperature. Genotypes that evolved at fluctuating temperatures performed well at either temperature, but only when raised and tested at the same temperature. Our results confirm evolutionary patterns predicted by theory, including a loss of plasticity and a benefit of specialization in constant environments.
AUTOSOMAL LETHALS IN EXPERIMENTAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
