Skip to main content
 

Evolution and Plasticity in Guppies

How Genes and Environment Shape Phenotypes

By E. Dale Broder, Corey A. Handelsman, Cameron K. Ghalambor, Lisa M. Angeloni

Evolution and Plasticity in Guppies


 

Abstract

This case study focuses on the relationship between evolution and plasticity using a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. Students view examples from the literature that illustrate the difference between nature and nurture, or the relative contributions of genes and the environment in shaping phenotypes. Using the Trinidadian guppy system as an example, students learn about seminal work in the field in addition to exploring quantitative genetic techniques used to partition phenotypic variance between genes (G) and the environment (E). They use real data from one of the publications cited in the case to graph reaction norms illustrating GxE interactions at the family and population level. The inquiry-based approach means that students are introduced to new concepts in a stepwise fashion, and asked to develop and build their understanding using causal, explanatory evidence. The case concludes with an exercise in which students apply their knowledge to a real conservation problem in Trinidad and Tobago, where guppies are native. This case would be appropriate for an upper level biology, genetics, or evolution course.

   

Date Posted

05/24/2016

Overview

Objectives

  • Define evolution and plasticity.
  • Understand how quantitative genetics allows us to tease apart the influence of genes and the environment in shaping phenotypes.
  • Improve skills in graphing real data, interpreting figures, and summarizing major findings.
  • Recognize that a better understanding of the interaction between genes and the environment in shaping phenotypes can be informative in applied situations.
  • Develop policy recommendations based on scientific findings.

Keywords

Evolution; nature versus nurture; quantitative genetics; fish; common garden experiment; phenotypic plasticity; Trinidadian guppy; reaction norm; GxE

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics / Heredity
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate

  

FORMAT

PDF, Excel

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Interrupted

 

 

Asset 2