Adaptive phenotypic plasticity is under stabilizing selection in Daphnia

Analysis of genetic variation underlying an antipredator morphological defence in Daphnia pulex shows that stabilizing selection operates on this plastic trait. The adaptive nature of phenotypic plasticity is widely documented. However, little is known about the evolutionary forces that shape genetic variation of plasticity within populations. Whether genetic variation in plasticity is driven by stabilizing or diversifying selection and whether the strength of such forces remains constant through time, remain open questions. Here, we address this issue by assessing the evolutionary forces that shape genetic variation in antipredator developmental plasticity of Daphnia pulex. Antipredator plasticity in D. pulex is characterized by the growth of a pedestal and spikes in the dorsal head region upon exposure to predator cue. We characterized genetic variation in plasticity using a method that describes the entire dorsal shape amongst >100 D. pulex strains recently derived from the wild. We observed the strongest reduction in genetic variation in dorsal areas where plastic responses were greatest, consistent with stabilizing selection. We compared mutational variation (V-m) to standing variation (V-g) and found that V-g/V-m is lowest in areas of greatest plasticity, again consistent with stabilizing selection. Our results suggest that stabilizing selection operates directly on phenotypic plasticity in Daphnia and provide a rare glimpse into the evolution of fitness-related traits in natural populations.

Automated summary

This study analyzes the genetic variation underlying an antipredator morphological defense in Daphnia pulex. The results indicate that stabilizing selection plays a significant role in shaping this plastic trait. The study provides a rare insight into the evolution of fitness-related traits in natural populations.