Environmental Change, Phenotypic Plasticity, and Genetic Compensation

摘要: When a species encounters novel environmental con- ditions, some phenotypic characters may develop differently than in the ancestral environment. Most perturbations of de- velopment are likely to reduce fitness, and thus selection would usu- ally be expected favor genetic changes that restore phenotype. I propose term "genetic compensation" refer this form adaptive evolution. Genetic compensation is subset accommodation reverse assimilation. has occurred along spatial environ- mental gradient, mean trait values populations different environments more similar field when represen- tatives same raised common environment (i.e., countergradient variation). If complete, divergence between cryptic, is, not detectable field. Here apply concept three examples involving carotenoid-based sexual coloration then use these other discuss broader context. show lead cryptic reproductive isolation evolving environments, explain puzzling cases which heritable traits exposed strong directional fail evolutionary response, complicate efforts monitor pop- ulations for signs deterioration.