title: Evolution of Plasticity: Mechanistic Link between Development and Reversible Acclimation.
abstract: Phenotypic characteristics of animals can change independently from changes in the genetic code. These plastic phenotypic responses are important for population persistence in changing environments. Plasticity can be induced during early development, with persistent effects on adult phenotypes, and it can occur reversibly throughout life (acclimation). These manifestations of plasticity have been viewed as separate processes. Here we argue that developmental conditions not only change mean trait values but also modify the capacity for acclimation. Acclimation counteracts the potentially negative effects of phenotype-environment mismatches resulting from epigenetic modifications during early development. Developmental plasticity is therefore also beneficial when environmental conditions change within generations. Hence, the evolution of reversible acclimation can no longer be viewed as independent from developmental processes.
authors: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia. Electronic address: j.beaman@uq.edu.au.
authors: Julian E
authors: JE
authors: Beaman
authors: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
authors: Craig R
authors: CR
authors: White
authors: School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Seebacher
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004777:Environment; D010641:Phenotype