Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
3 years ago

Plasticity Leads Genetic Evolution, Accelerating Adaptation in Nature

Research Square (Research Square)
Development and Selective Grain Make Plasticity ‘Take the Lead’ in Adaptive Evolution
Miguel Brun‐Usan, Alfredo Rago, Christoph Thies, Tobias Uller, Richard A. Watson

Paper Summary

Biological systems evolve by combining genetic changes and adaptive responses to the environment. The study found that genetic evolvability and adaptive plasticity work together to drive evolution. Selection for one trait can lead to the development of the other, resulting in faster adaptation. This shows how past selection for adaptive responses can greatly impact the ability of organisms to evolve over time.

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