Cooperation between phenotypic plasticity and genetic mutations can account for the cumulative selection in evolution.

ABSTRACT: We propose the cooperative model of phenotype-driven evolution, in which natural selection operates on a phenotype caused by both genetic and epigenetic factors. The conventional theory of evolutionary synthesis assumes that a phenotypic value (P) is the sum of genotypic value (G) and environmental deviation (E), P=G+E, where E is the fluctuations of the phenotype among individuals in the absence of environmental changes. In contrast, the cooperative model assumes that an evolution is triggered by an environmental change and individuals respond to the change by phenotypic plasticity (epigenetic changes). The phenotypic plasticity, while essentially qualitative, is denoted by a quantitative value F which is modeled as a normal random variable like E, but with a much larger variance. Thus, t

SUBMITTER: Nishikawa K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4629657 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature