Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-28-2026

Abstract

Phenotypic plasticity refers to a mechanism where a single genotype results in distinct phenotypes in response to distinct environments, making it a key mechanism for persistence under environmental change. Phenotypic plasticity can arise from two distinct regulatory architectures: epistatically regulated plasticity or environmentally sensitive loci. The evolutionary forces shaping these architectures remain unclear. I use the recombination modifier framework to explore how the regulatory architecture of plasticity evolves across a range of selection regimes, including the rate of environmental change and the costs and benefits of plasticity. I find that the evolution of the regulatory architecture of phenotypic plasticity requires a fitness cost to plasticity. Epistatic plasticity is favored in rapidly changing environments when plasticity conveys a notable cost to adaptive genotypes. Conversely, environmentally sensitive loci evolve readily when environments change gradually. This research sheds light on the evolution of the genetic architecture of phenotypic plasticity.

Project Sponsors

UNM and Dr. Davorka Gulisija Startup Funds

Language

English

Keywords

phenotypic plasticity, epistatic plasticity, environmentally sensitive loci, genetic architectures, fitness costs and benefits of plasticity, rapidly changing environments

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Davorka Gulisija

Second Committee Member

Dr. Helen Wearing

Third Committee Member

Dr. Kenneth Whitney

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Maria Orive

Fifth Committee Member

Dr. Mitchell Newberry

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