Identification of candidate loci for adaptive phenotypic plasticity in natural populations of spadefoot toads.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to alter their phenotype in direct response to changes in the environment. Despite growing recognition of plasticity's role in ecology and evolution, few studies have probed plasticity's molecular bases-especially using natural populations. We investigated the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity in natural populations of spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata). Spea tadpoles normally develop into an "omnivore" morph that is favored in long-lasting, low-density ponds. However, if tadpoles consume freshwater shrimp or other tadpoles, they can alternatively develop (via plasticity) into a "carnivore" morph that is favored in ephemeral, high-density ponds. By combining natural variation in pond ecology and morph production with population gen

SUBMITTER: Levis NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7452772 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature