SPICER, J I; Univ. of Plymouth, UK: Phenotypic plasticity of developmental physiology itineraries: insights from crustaceans

Renewed interest in the development of physiological traits, regulata or functions in animals has had its focus on the extent to which such developmental itineraries are genetically preset or are open to/determined by environmental influence. Here I examine the extent to which the development of physiological functions by various crustacean species, and in particular the relative timing of the appearance functions and their constituent parts, exhibit phenotypic plasticity. Using environmental hypoxia as a way of manipulating developmental itineraries I investigate why is plasticity found in some species but not others. I will then discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of my findings, and try to show how the study of crustaceans in particular is invaluable for addressing some of the key questions in developmental phenotypic plasticity.