Phenotypic plasticity is broadly adaptive across an elevation gradient in the Cutleaf Monkeyflower.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic plasticity is a key mechanism by which organisms can cope with environmental heterogeneity, but its evolutionary consequences depend on how plastic responses align with the broader adaptive landscape.We tested whether plasticity in leaf shape alongside other traits is associated with differential fitness across an elevational gradient in Mimulus laciniatus, an annual wildflower endemic to montane California. Using a reciprocal transplant experiment and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) previously phenotyped for plasticity in controlled conditions, we measured variation in survival and fecundity in native low- and high-elevation habitats.Based on previous work, we expected to find selection against leaf shape plasticity at low-elevation and selection for leaf shape plasticit

SUBMITTER: Love JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12724549 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature