Genotype-by-Environment Interaction

The ability of a genotype to alter its phenotype in response to the environment is called phenotypic plasticity. When different genotypes exhibit different responses to an environmental factor (i.e., exhibit different plastic responses), there is a genotype-by-environment interaction. Genotype-by-environment interaction influences the expression of genetic variation and genetic correlations in different environments and thereby influences evolutionary processes of adaptation. Genotype-by-environment interaction also represents genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity, which enables plasticity to evolve. Phenotypic plasticity influences several ecological and evolutionary processes, including the ability to inhabit variable environments, adaptation to novel environments, and the ability of populations to persist under conditions of environmental change.

Duke Scholars

Author Kathleen Donohue Biology