Phenotypic Plasticity
Phenotypic plasticity can be defined as the capacity of a single genotype to exhibit a range of phenotypes in response to variation in the environment.
The plasticity of a specific genotype can be conceptually described by a mathematical function called a reaction norm, a line or curve that relates the phenotypes produced by this genotype to changes in the environment it experiences. As shown in the image to the right (A).
Genetic variation among genotypes in plasticity can be shown as a bundle of reaction norms as slopes (B).
The plasticity of a specific genotype can be conceptually described by a mathematical function called a reaction norm, a line or curve that relates the phenotypes produced by this genotype to changes in the environment it experiences. As shown in the image to the right (A).
Genetic variation among genotypes in plasticity can be shown as a bundle of reaction norms as slopes (B).