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The genetics of phenotypic plasticity. V. Evolution of reaction norm shape
Author(s) -
Gavrilets Sergey,
Scheiner Samuel M.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.289
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1420-9101
pISSN - 1010-061X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1420-9101.1993.6010031.x
Subject(s) - covariance , norm (philosophy) , biology , quadratic equation , linear model , nonlinear system , genetic model , mathematics , population , evolutionary biology , phenotypic plasticity , quantitative genetics , statistical physics , statistics , genetics , genetic variation , geometry , physics , demography , quantum mechanics , sociology , gene , political science , law
Abstract We present a general quantitative genetic model for the evolution of reaction norms. This model goes beyond previous models by simultaneously permitting any shaped reaction norm and allowing for the imposition of genetic constraints. Earlier models are shown to be special cases of our general model; we discuss in detail models involving just two macroenvironments, linear reaction norms, and quadratic reaction norms. The model predicts that, for the case of a temporally varying environment, a population will converge on (1) the genotype with the maximum mean geometric fitness over all environments, (2) a linear reaction norm whose slope is proportional to the covariance between the environment of development and the environment of selection, and (3) a linear reaction norm even if nonlinear reaction norms are possible. An examination of experimental studies finds some limited support for these predictions. We discuss the limitations of our model and the need for more realistic gametic models and additional data on the genetic and developmental bases of plasticity.