Adaptation v. Plasticity Flashcards
Phenotypic plasticity
-organisms can have adaptations that allow them TO BE FLEXIBLE in their lifetime
What is the definition of a phenotypic plastic trait?
one that can change within one’s lifetime (it can be activated or not)
Three characteristics of a phenotypic plastic trait:
1) the specific state of a phenotypically plastic trait is NOT GENETICALLY HERITABLE
2) phenotypically plastic traits can CHANGE TEMPORARILY
3) phenotypically plastic traits PROVIDE A BENEFIT for the individuals that display them
Example of a phenotypically plastic trait:
THE ROCK
if he stops working out he won’t be as strong but he does work out so this trait is enhanced
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a _____ _____ to produce ____ _____.
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a SINGLE GENOTYPE to produce MULTIPLE PHENOTYPES.
Having a ‘plastic’ phenotype allows an organism to better….
cope with an environment in which conditions change.
The ___ of ____ ____ is an important predictor of whether an organism would actually benefit from phenotypic plasticity, or not.
The TIMESCALE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE is an important predictor of whether an organism would actually benefit from phenotypic plasticity, or not.
What are the two types of plasticity?
- Morphological
- Behavioral
What type of plasticity is this:
Virginia pepper weed develops more chemical defenses and trichomes
Morphological plasticity
When do plants show more morphological phenotypic plasticity?
in response to abiotic and biotic factors
What type of plasticity is this:
A few fish species have extreme phenotypic plasticity and can change sex, in response to environmental conditions. This is called ‘sequential hermaphroditism’, and is RARE.
Morphological plasticity
