title: Phenotypic plasticity and evolution by genetic assimilation.
abstract: In addition to considerable debate in the recent evolutionary literature about the limits of the Modern Synthesis of the 1930s and 1940s, there has also been theoretical and empirical interest in a variety of new and not so new concepts such as phenotypic plasticity, genetic assimilation and phenotypic accommodation. Here we consider examples of the arguments and counter-arguments that have shaped this discussion. We suggest that much of the controversy hinges on several misunderstandings, including unwarranted fears of a general attempt at overthrowing the Modern Synthesis paradigm, and some fundamental conceptual confusion about the proper roles of phenotypic plasticity and natural selection within evolutionary theory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology and Evolution, SUNY-Stony Brook, 650 Life Science Building, Stony Brook NY 11794, USA. pigliucci@genotypbyenvironment.com
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pigliucci
authors.forename: Courtney J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Murren
authors.forename: Carl D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Schlichting
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D012641:Selection, Genetic