Estimating (Non)Linear Selection on Reaction Norms: A General Framework for Labile Traits.

ABSTRACT: Individual reaction norms describe how labile phenotypes vary as a function of organisms' expected trait values (intercepts) and plasticity across environments (slopes), as well as their degree of stochastic phenotypic variability or predictability (residuals). These reaction norms can be estimated empirically using multilevel, mixed-effects models and play a key role in ecological research on a variety of behavioral, physiological, and morphological traits. Many evolutionary models have also emphasized the importance of understanding reaction norms as a target of selection in heterogeneous and dynamic environments. However, it remains difficult to empirically estimate nonlinear selection on reaction norms, inhibiting robust tests of adaptive theory and accurate predictions of phenotypic e

SUBMITTER: Martin JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12550410 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature