Trapper Hobble

Phenotypic plasticity is a widespread phenomenon found across the tree of life. However, many gaps remain in our understanding of how plasticity impacts ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Duckweed, a clonal aquatic plant, has become an increasingly popular study system to explore eco-evolutionary questions. Although studies in the past have explored duckweed plasticity, they have failed to develop a trait wise understanding of how plasticity evolves. I propose the use of experimental evolution under a fluctuating environment regime to explore what conditions result in the evolution of increased phenotypic plasticity and to identify the traits under selection.