Phenotypic convergence of artificially reared and wild trout is mediated by shape plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic plasticity can be viewed as the first level of defense of organism homeostasis against environmental stress and therefore represents the potential to deal with rapid environmental changes. Transitions between low complexity, artificial environments and complex, natural habitats can promote phenotypic plasticity. Here, we conducted an experimental introduction with juvenile brown trout to evaluate the plasticity of shape in response to a transition between contrasting environments. We released 202 juvenile trout reared under hatchery conditions in a natural stream and analyzed changes in shape and morphological variability after 5 months. A geometric morphometrics approach based on 14 landmarks was used to compare changes in body shape for 37 fish recaptured at the end of the exp

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Gonzalez JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5551095 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature