Early growth conditions, phenotypic development and environmental change

Early growth conditions, phenotypic development and environmental change

28 November 2007 | Pat Monaghan
The paper by Pat Monaghan explores the complex interplay between genetic makeup and environmental factors during the development of organisms, focusing particularly on birds. It highlights how environmental conditions can directly or indirectly influence phenotypic development, shaping the phenotype to better prepare the offspring for the likely environmental conditions they will encounter in their lifetime. The author discusses various paradigms and hypotheses related to this field, emphasizing the importance of understanding the adaptive significance of environmentally induced changes. Monaghan outlines the need for clear hypotheses and careful experimental manipulations to distinguish among competing theories. The paper also examines the role of endocrine systems in mediating environmental effects on phenotypic development and reviews evidence from avian studies, while identifying key areas where more research is needed. The discussion includes the concept of polyphenisms, trade-offs, and the "reaction norm," which describes the range of phenotypes that can be produced by a single genotype under different environmental conditions. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating biological disciplines and conducting more extensive experimental studies to better understand the interactions between early growth conditions, phenotypic development, and environmental change.The paper by Pat Monaghan explores the complex interplay between genetic makeup and environmental factors during the development of organisms, focusing particularly on birds. It highlights how environmental conditions can directly or indirectly influence phenotypic development, shaping the phenotype to better prepare the offspring for the likely environmental conditions they will encounter in their lifetime. The author discusses various paradigms and hypotheses related to this field, emphasizing the importance of understanding the adaptive significance of environmentally induced changes. Monaghan outlines the need for clear hypotheses and careful experimental manipulations to distinguish among competing theories. The paper also examines the role of endocrine systems in mediating environmental effects on phenotypic development and reviews evidence from avian studies, while identifying key areas where more research is needed. The discussion includes the concept of polyphenisms, trade-offs, and the "reaction norm," which describes the range of phenotypes that can be produced by a single genotype under different environmental conditions. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating biological disciplines and conducting more extensive experimental studies to better understand the interactions between early growth conditions, phenotypic development, and environmental change.
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[slides and audio] Early growth conditions%2C phenotypic development and environmental change