MINER, B.G.*; University of Florida: How to test if plasticity is adaptive

Biologists have become increasingly interested in the evolutionary and ecological role of phenotypic plasticity in natural systems, and many studies assert that plasticity is adaptive. However, the theory to test the adaptivity of phenotypic plasticity has not been well developed, and few of these studies address the confounding factors that limit inferences about whether plasticity is indeed adaptive. For example, studies have discussed cost of plasticity without addressing phenotypic performance. Here, I develop a framework to directly test if plasticity is adaptive—highlighting the difficulties and pitfalls. I also discuss some indirect tests that biologists can use to address this question.