Evaluating 'Plasticity-First' Evolution in Nature: Key Criteria and Empirical Approaches. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levis, Nicholas A.; Pfennig, David W.
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 31:Number 7(2016)
• Page Start: 563
• Page End: 574
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.03.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Many biologists are asking whether environmentally initiated phenotypic change (i.e., 'phenotypic plasticity') precedes, and even facilitates, evolutionary adaptation. However, this 'plasticity-first' hypothesis remains controversial, primarily because comprehensive tests from natural populations are generally lacking. We briefly describe the plasticity-first hypothesis and present much-needed key criteria to allow tests in diverse, natural systems. Furthermore, we offer a framework for how these criteria can be evaluated and discuss examples where the plasticity-first hypothesis has been investigated in natural populations. Our goal is to provide a means by which the role of plasticity in adaptive evolution can be assessed. Trends: Phenotypic plasticity has long been proposed to precede and possibly facilitate adaptive evolution. This 'plasticity-first hypothesis' is controversial because skeptics argue that it lacks compelling evidence from natural populations. A chief difficulty with demonstrating plasticity-first evolution in natural populations is that, once a trait has evolved, its evolution cannot be studied in situ . To get around this difficulty, researchers can study extant lineages that act as ancestral-proxies to the lineage possessing the focal trait. Using such an approach, key criteria of the plasticity-first hypothesis can be evaluated using a relatively simple experimental design. Applying these criteria to various systems, the plasticity-first hypothesis has some empirical support. However, more studies are needed to conclusively determine the role of plasticity in adaptive evolution.