Eco-Evo-Devo
Abstract
Ecologically evolutionary development: integration and organization of concepts that include, developmental symbiosis and plasticity, genetic accommodation, extragenic inheritance and niche construction
A review of the roles that developmental symbiosis and plasticity have on evolution
Symbiosis and Evolution
Plasticity and Evolution
Introduction
Symbiosis and phenotypic plasticity are the rules not the expectations
Developmental Symbiosis Organisms are constructed by the interactions that happen between the host and its symbiotic microorganisms
Developmental Plasticity The ability of larval or embryotic organisms to react to environmental input with a change in form, physiology or behavior
Life is sustained by symbioses
The combination between a host animal and their microbial communities are considered metaorganisms
There are no germ-free organisms
The mechanisms that recruit and organize the specific microbial colonies are the focus of current research
They evolved together
Developing organisms can change their morphology, physiology and behaviors in response to numerous environmental conditions
Full incorporation of plasticity into evolution has 3 steps
Promote or delay adaptive evolution
1) Understanding the importance of plasticity in major evolutionary transitions
3) Creating a theoretical framework in which the evolutionary outcomes can be predicted for specific populations
2) Understanding the developmental mechanisms underlaying plasticity
We have been able to compile many of the Eco-Evo-Devo theories under one umbrella, but what is needed are creative approaches to collecting empirical data from natural populations to test the predictions
To survive harsh climate changes you need genetic diversity and plasticity
Plasticity is different in nature vs. lab settings
Gilbert SF, Bosch TCG, Ledón-Rettig C. 2015. Eco-Evo-Devo: developmental symbiosis and developmental plasticity as evolutionary agents. Nature Reviews Genetics. 16(10):611–622. doi:10.1038/nrg3982.