Phenotypic plasticity

Dependence of the phenotype expressed by a genotype on the environment. An immediate response can be beneficial or harmful; evolutionary change additionally requires a change in inherited properties across generations.

Environment-dependent variation in developmental trajectories within a genotype. Plasticity need not be adaptive, and an environmentally induced developmental change need not be reversible.

Fitness costs associated with maintaining or using a responsive system, distinct from poor performance of a particular expressed phenotype. Comparisons should match the expressed outcome while varying the capacity for response.

Environment- or experience-dependent change in animal behaviour expressed by an individual. A change within a lifetime must be distinguished from an evolutionary change in its reaction norm.

Costs of acquiring information, maintaining responsiveness or switching action. They must be distinguished from a maladaptive action caused by an unreliable cue.

Reduction of phenotypic or fitness effects of environmental variation through plastic responses. It can reduce immediate selection on other inherited traits.