scholarly journals Phenotypic plasticity - contrasting species-specific traits induced by identical environmental constraints

2004 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Strand ◽  
Stefan E. B. Weisner
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Species Specific

Phenotypic plasticity in leaves of four species of arctic Festuca (Poaceae)

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 1810-1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole S. Ramesar-Fortner ◽  
Nancy G. Dengler ◽  
Susan G. Aiken
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Leaf Blade ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Trichome Density ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Species Specific

Leaf phenotypic plasticity of 12 morphological, anatomical, and growth traits was investigated using four species of arctic Festuca (F. baffinensis, F. brachyphylla, F. edlundiae, and F. hyperborea). Plants collected around 78°N in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago were grown for 10 weeks at the University of Toronto in growth chambers in continuous light, under four regimes of temperature and moisture. Significant differences were found between leaves at the time of field collection and leaves of the same plant at the end of the experiment in (i) leaf blade length, (ii) surface vestiture, both in trichome density and angle of the trichomes to the blade surface, and (iii) characters seen in leaf cross sections: blade width, rib thickness, and inter-rib thickness. The four species responded similarly to the experimental conditions, indicating that most of these changes represent part of the developmentally inevitable component of plasticity rather than species-specific adaptations. Trichome density was the only characteristic for which species showed different patterns of response, with a unique pattern of response in F. edlundiae. This and certain growth traits support the taxonomic status of this newly recognized species. The significant effects of temperature and to a lesser degree, water treatments on these leaf anatomical traits indicate that they should be used with caution for the purposes of taxonomy and identification. Key words: Festuca, leaf blade anatomy, phenotypic plasticity.

scholarly journals The Role of Plasticity and Adaptation in the Incipient Speciation of a Fire Salamander Population

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 875
Author(s):  
Joana Sabino-Pinto ◽  
Daniel J. Goedbloed ◽  
Eugenia Sanchez ◽  
Till Czypionka ◽  
Arne W. Nolte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Local Adaptation ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Genetic Change ◽  
Incipient Speciation ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Reciprocal Transfer ◽  
High Degree

Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation via genetic change are two major mechanisms of response to dynamic environmental conditions. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, since genetic change can establish similar phenotypes to plasticity. This connection between both mechanisms raises the question of how much of the variation observed between species or populations is plastic and how much of it is genetic. In this study, we used a structured population of fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), in which two subpopulations differ in terms of physiology, genetics, mate-, and habitat preferences. Our goal was to identify candidate genes for differential habitat adaptation in this system, and to explore the degree of plasticity compared to local adaptation. We therefore performed a reciprocal transfer experiment of stream- and pond-originated salamander larvae and analyzed changes in morphology and transcriptomic profile (using species-specific microarrays). We observed that stream- and pond-originated individuals diverge in morphology and gene expression. For instance, pond-originated larvae have larger gills, likely to cope with oxygen-poor ponds. When transferred to streams, pond-originated larvae showed a high degree of plasticity, resembling the morphology and gene expression of stream-originated larvae (reversion); however the same was not found for stream-originated larvae when transferred to ponds, where the expression of genes related to reduction-oxidation processes was increased, possibly to cope with environmental stress. The lack of symmetrical responses between transplanted animals highlights the fact that the adaptations are not fully plastic and that some level of local adaptation has already occurred in this population. This study illuminates the process by which phenotypic plasticity allows local adaptation to new environments and its potential role in the pathway of incipient speciation.

scholarly journals Polyploidy as a chromosomal component of stochastic noise: variable scalar multiples of the diploid chromosome complement in the invertebrate species Girardia schubarti from Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. G. F. Benya ◽  
A. M. Leal-Zanchet ◽  
J. Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Chromosome Complement ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Stochastic Noise ◽  
Body Width ◽  
Invertebrate Species ◽  
Geometric Progressions ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Kinetics Of

Abstract Chromosome stoichiometry, a form of genetic plasticity, specifically refers to variation in the standard diploid genomic composition of an individual or species. In the present work, freshwater planarians (Girardia schubarti) were analyzed to recognize variations in chromosomal stoichiometry especially of complete ploidal change between specimens, within specimens and between cells within specimens and any relations they might have with selected components of phenotypic plasticity. Homoploid polyploids for the group reached rational scalar multiples (e.g. tetraploids) or irrational scalar multiples (e.g. triploids). Karyotypic mosaics emerged where individual cells presented polyploid multiples in arithmetic and geometric progressions. Ploidal multiplicity, a chromosomal component of stochastic noise, had positive phenotypic effects (increased dimensions) on morphologic criteria of body length, body width and dorsal surface reflecting a significant genotypic plasticity (GP) and robust phenotypic plasticity (PP). Variable but significant association of genotypic plasticity with robust phenotypic variance suggests kinetics of phenotypic homeostasis that is species-specific permitting phenotypic adaptability to environmental variables by means of GP. That association is diminished, deactivated or lost in more advanced and more complex organisms.

scholarly journals Morphoanatomical plasticity of Tibouchina clavata (Melastomataceae) in ombrophilous forest and restinga forest

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 484 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Carlos Ferreira Melo Júnior ◽  
Maick William Amorim ◽  
Igor Abba Arriola ◽  
Jessica Stefani Dirksen ◽  
Fernando Andreacci
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Plasticity Index ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Lower Variation ◽  
Ombrophilous Forest ◽  
Foliar Traits ◽  
Plastic Responses

Structural adjustments in plants may occur in response to environmental constraints, which may influence plant growth and development, as well as patterns of species coexistence. The present study aimed to evaluate the plastic responses of Tibouchina clavata (Melastomataceae) occurring in two forest formations governed by different environmental conditions. Ten leaves of ten individuals were collected in each formation, for a total of n = 100 per area. as were stem samples, for measuring architectural, morphological and foliar traits. Environmental variables considered included edaphic nutrition, water availability and light radiation. The phenotypic plasticity index was calculated for each trait. Morphoanatomical traits varied among populations with greater emphasis on plant height and stem diameter, in contrast to the lower variation observed for leaf traits. Foliar morphoanatomy met the expected pattern for plants that grow under conditions of greater luminosity. Greater development of the aerial system (height and diameter of the stem) was observed in the plants of the ombrophilous forest, indicating that this growth is related to the soil fertility and water availability. The phenotypic plasticity index indicates low plasticity for T. clavata in the geographic distribution studied.

scholarly journals Species‐specific clonality in east Asian island flora: Phylogenetic and environmental constraints

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 577-586
Author(s):  
Junichi Fujinuma ◽  
Buntarou Kusumoto ◽  
Takayuki Shiono ◽  
Yasuhiro Kubota
Keyword(s):  
East Asian ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Island Flora

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of phenotypic plasticity sheds light on the evolution and molecular underpinnings of locust phase polyphenism

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert Foquet ◽  
Adrian A. Castellanos ◽  
Hojun Song
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Central American ◽  
Reaction Norms ◽  
Density Dependent ◽  
Alternative Phenotypes ◽  
Molecular Reaction ◽  
Phase Polyphenism ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractLocusts exhibit one of nature’s most spectacular examples of complex phenotypic plasticity, in which changes in density cause solitary and cryptic individuals to transform into gregarious and conspicuous locusts forming large migrating swarms. We investigated how these coordinated alternative phenotypes might have evolved by studying the Central American locust and three closely related non-swarming grasshoppers in a comparative framework. By experimentally isolating and crowding during nymphal development, we induced density-dependent phenotypic plasticity and quantified the resulting behavioural, morphological, and molecular reaction norms. All four species exhibited clear plasticity, but the individual reaction norms varied among species and showed different magnitudes. Transcriptomic responses were species-specific, but density-responsive genes were functionally similar across species. There were modules of co-expressed genes that were highly correlated with plastic reaction norms, revealing a potential molecular basis of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity. These findings collectively highlight the importance of studying multiple reaction norms from a comparative perspective.

scholarly journals Geographical Variation in Phenotypic Plasticity of Intertidal Sister Limpet’s Species Under Ocean Acidification Scenarios

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Antonio Lardies ◽  
Paz Caballero ◽  
Cristián Duarte ◽  
María Josefina Poupin
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Carbonate Content ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Variable Environment ◽  
Chilean Coast ◽  
Stable Environment ◽  
Evolutionary Level ◽  
Species Specific

Ocean Acidification (OA) can have pervasive effects in calcifying marine organisms, and a better understanding of how different populations respond at the physiological and evolutionary level could help to model the impacts of global change in marine ecosystems. Due to its natural geography and oceanographic processes, the Chilean coast provides a natural laboratory where benthic organisms are frequently exposed to diverse projected OA scenarios. The goal of this study was to assess whether a population of mollusks thriving in a more variable environment (Talcaruca) would present higher phenotypic plasticity in physiological and morphological traits in response to different pCO2 when compared to a population of the same species from a more stable environment (Los Molles). To achieve this, two benthic limpets (Scurria zebrina and Scurria viridula) inhabiting these two contrasting localities were exposed to ocean acidification experimental conditions representing the current pCO2 in the Chilean coast (500 μatm) and the levels predicted for the year 2100 in upwelling zones (1500 (μatm). Our results show that the responses to OA are species-specific, even in this related species. Interestingly, S. viridula showed better performance under OA than S. zebrina (i.e., similar sizes and carbonate content in individuals from both populations; lower effects of acidification on the growth rate combined with a reduction of metabolism at higher pCO2). Remarkably, these characteristics could explain this species’ success in overstepping the biogeographical break in the area of Talcaruca, which S. zebrina cannot achieve. Besides, the results show that the habitat factor has a strong influence on some traits. For instance, individuals from Talcaruca presented a higher growth rate plasticity index and lower shell dissolution rates in acidified conditions than those from Los Molles. These results show that limpets from the variable environment tend to display higher plasticity, buffering the physiological effects of OA compared with limpets from the more stable environment. Taken together, these findings highlight the key role of geographic variation in phenotypic plasticity to determine the vulnerability of calcifying organisms to future scenarios of OA.

scholarly journals Morphological change and phenotypic plasticity in response to water velocity in three species of Centrarchidae

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (11) ◽  
pp. 879-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.E. Istead ◽  
S. Yavno ◽  
M.G. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Lepomis Gibbosus ◽  
Rock Bass ◽  
Morphological Responses ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Static Conditions ◽  
Response To Water

Morphological responses to flowing water have been documented in many fishes, but rarely reported in species with gibbose body types, despite their use of riffles in rivers and streams. In this study, we compared morphological responses to water flow in three gibbose centrarchids: bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus (L., 1758)), and rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque, 1817)). Flow-through plexiglass units, set to either a sustained flow or static conditions, were used to rear juveniles from each species for an 80-day period. All three species developed more streamlined body forms, longer and thinner caudal peduncles, and longer pectoral fins when reared in sustained current. Pumpkinseed exhibited the highest level of phenotypic plasticity in response to water flow, followed closely by bluegill; rock bass was the least plastic species. Rock bass developed longer predorsal and prepectoral lengths, which differ from the morphological changes observed in bluegill and pumpkinseed. The findings not only suggest that some gibbose fishes are capable of exhibiting strong phenotypic responses to water flow, but that many morphological changes are species specific, even within the same taxonomic family. Lastly, all three species developed shorter dorsal fin base lengths when reared under flowing condition, which differs from some previously documented work on fusiform fishes. The results of this study provide a better understanding of how morphology in three closely related species varies in response to environmental conditions.

scholarly journals Insulin signalling underlies both plasticity and divergence of a reproductive trait in Drosophila

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1779) ◽  
pp. 20132673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delbert A. Green ◽  
Cassandra G. Extavour
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Insulin Signalling ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Trait ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Evolutionary Diversification ◽  
Growth Factor Signalling ◽  
Ovariole Number ◽  
Species Specific

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a single genotype to yield distinct phenotypes in different environments. The molecular mechanisms linking phenotypic plasticity to the evolution of heritable diversification, however, are largely unknown. Here, we show that insulin/insulin-like growth factor signalling (IIS) underlies both phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary diversification of ovariole number, a quantitative reproductive trait, in Drosophila . IIS activity levels and sensitivity have diverged between species, leading to both species-specific ovariole number and species-specific nutritional plasticity in ovariole number. Plastic range of ovariole number correlates with ecological niche, suggesting that the degree of nutritional plasticity may be an adaptive trait. This demonstrates that a plastic response conserved across animals can underlie the evolution of morphological diversity, underscoring the potential pervasiveness of plasticity as an evolutionary mechanism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document