The paper reviews the role of phenotypic plasticity in driving genetic evolution, emphasizing its importance in population divergence and speciation. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of organisms to change their traits in response to environmental conditions, can either facilitate or hinder genetic change, depending on the level of plasticity and the specific environmental conditions. Moderate levels of plasticity are optimal for population survival and genetic evolution, as they allow populations to adapt to new environments and move towards adaptive peaks. High levels of plasticity may increase population persistence but reduce the likelihood of genetic change. The authors use the metaphor of the adaptive landscape to illustrate how plasticity can shift populations towards new peaks, and discuss two empirical examples: the evolution of red and yellow plumage coloration in birds due to carotenoid consumption, and the evolution of foraging behaviors on islands. They argue that moderate levels of plasticity are essential for evolutionary innovation, while maladaptive plastic responses may lead to reduced population persistence. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for further research to understand the role of plasticity in evolutionary processes.The paper reviews the role of phenotypic plasticity in driving genetic evolution, emphasizing its importance in population divergence and speciation. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of organisms to change their traits in response to environmental conditions, can either facilitate or hinder genetic change, depending on the level of plasticity and the specific environmental conditions. Moderate levels of plasticity are optimal for population survival and genetic evolution, as they allow populations to adapt to new environments and move towards adaptive peaks. High levels of plasticity may increase population persistence but reduce the likelihood of genetic change. The authors use the metaphor of the adaptive landscape to illustrate how plasticity can shift populations towards new peaks, and discuss two empirical examples: the evolution of red and yellow plumage coloration in birds due to carotenoid consumption, and the evolution of foraging behaviors on islands. They argue that moderate levels of plasticity are essential for evolutionary innovation, while maladaptive plastic responses may lead to reduced population persistence. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for further research to understand the role of plasticity in evolutionary processes.