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Dryad

Morphological integration, canalization, and plasticity in response to emergence time in Abutilon theophrasti

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Apr 06, 2022 version files 66.94 KB
Apr 23, 2024 version files 67.19 KB

Abstract

The relationships between trait plasticity and canalization, and between phenotypic integration and plasticity, have been under debate, largely because direct evidence is still scarce for their associations, especially in response to environments. To investigate the relationships between canalization, integration, and phenotypic plasticity in response to emergence time, we conducted a field experiment with an annual herbaceous species of Abutilon theophrasti, by subjecting plants to four treatments of emergence time (spring, late spring, summer, and late summer), to measure several morphological traits and analyze correlations of plasticity with canalization and integration in these traits, at two stages of plant growth. Results showed plants with delayed emergence had higher phenotypic integration and more positive correlations between integration and plasticity, but less negative correlations between decreased canalization and plasticity, compared to those that emerged in spring. Results suggested significant environmental changes that induce plastic responses, rather than environmental stress, can result in greater phenotypic integration in plants. Negative correlations between decreased canalization and plasticity occurred more frequently in plants emerging in spring and the least frequently in those emerging in summer, suggesting their relationship depends on specific environmental conditions and the degree of plasticity. Both increased phenotypic integration and decreased canalization might merely be the outcome of plastic responses, rather than mechanisms constraining or facilitating plasticity.