#phenotypic plasticity # from conservation biology

2. evolution
Evolution is the change in the inherited
characteristics of biological populations
over successive generations.
It means that all living thing on earth are
descended from a common ancestor.

3. Phenotypic plasiticity
Phenotypic plasticity refers to some of the changes in an organism's
behavior, morphology and physiology in response to a unique
environment.Fundamental to the way in which organisms cope with
environmental variation, phenotypic plasticity encompasses all types of
environmentally induced changes
(e.g. morphological, physiological, behavioural, phenological) that may or
may not be permanent throughout an individual's lifespan. The term was
originally used to describe developmental effects on morphological
characters, but is now more broadly used to describe all phenotypic
responses to environmental change, such as acclimation (acclimatization), as
well as learning. The special case when differences in environment induce
discrete phenotypes is termed polyphenism.
Generally phenotypic plasticity is more important for immobile
organisms(e.g. palnts) than mobile organisms(e.g. most animals ), as mobile
organisms can often move away from unfavourable environments.

4. Evolution in Phenotypic
Plasticity
Plasicity is usually thought to be in evolutionary
adaptation to environmental variation that is
reasonably predictable and occurs within the lifespan
of an individual organisms as is allows individuals to fit
their phenotype to different environments.
If the optimal phenotype in a given environment
changes with environmental conditions, then the
ability of individual to express different traits should be
advantageous.

5. Examples
Plants- phenotypic plasticity in plants
include the timing of transition from
vegetative to reproductive growth stage.
Some plants, mesembryantheum
crystallium for example , are able to alter
their photosynthetic pathways to use
less water when they become water or
salt stressed.

6. Animals – the development effects of nutrition and
temperature have been demonstrated, The Gray wolf
(Canis lupus)has wide phenotypic plasticity. Due to
the species plasticity they are able to express
different strategies and foraging behaviours
depending on the climate and environment.
Temperature – plastic response to temperature are
essential among ectothermic organisms as all aspects
of their physiology are directly dependent on their
thermal environmental.
Diet – phenotypic plasticity of the digestive system
allows some animals to respond to changes in dietry
nutrient composition , diet quality and energy
requirements.

7. Parasitism – Infection with parasites can
induce phenotypic plasiticity as a means to
compensate for the deterimental effects
caused by parasitism.
Reproduction – The red – eyed tree frog
Agalychnis callidry is an arboreal frog that
resides in the tropics of central America.