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All 6 Flashcards — Phenotypic plasticity
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Question
Define phenotypic plasticity.
Answer
The ability of **one genotype** to produce **different phenotypes** in response to **different environments**, within an individual's lifetime.
Question
Does the genotype change in phenotypic plasticity?
Answer
**No.** The DNA stays the same — only the **environment** changes how the genes are expressed.
Question
Is a plastic (phenotypic) change inherited?
Answer
**No** — it happens within one individual's lifetime and is **not passed on** to offspring.
Question
How is phenotypic plasticity different from natural selection?
Answer
Natural selection changes **alleles in a population over generations** (heritable). Plasticity changes the **phenotype of one individual** because of its **environment** (not heritable).
Question
Give an example of phenotypic plasticity.
Answer
A moth species reared at different **temperatures** develops different **wing colours** despite the **same genotype** (or: an Arctic hare's white winter / brown summer coat).
Question
In one line, what should a plasticity answer always say?
Answer
**Same genotype → different phenotype, caused by the environment.**
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Full study notes for Phenotypic plasticity
Topic 4.11 hub
Stability and change
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