The adaptive value of phenotypic plasticity in two ecotypes of a marine gastropod.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Few surveys have concentrated on studying the adaptive value of phenotypic plasticity within genetically-distinct conspecific ecotypes. Here, we conduct a test to assess the adaptive value that partial phenotypic plasticity may have for survival in the marine gastropod Littorina saxatilis. This species has evolved canalized ecotypes but, nevertheless, the ecotypes show some phenotypic plasticity for the traits under divergent selection between wave-exposed and high-predation habitats.

Results

We exposed juveniles of each ecotype to several environmental treatments under laboratory conditions in order to produce shape variation associated with plasticity. The two ecotypes from different treatments were then transplanted to the wave-exposed habitat and the survival

SUBMITTER: Hollander J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2984422 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature