Polyphenism
Polyphenism
Polyphenism (pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪˌfiːnɪzəm/) is a biological phenomenon where an organism can have multiple phenotypes, or physical forms, based on environmental factors. The term is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning many, and "phenism" referring to the expression of a phenotype.
Definition
Polyphenism is a form of phenotypic plasticity, which allows an organism to change its physical characteristics in response to changes in the environment. Unlike genetic variation, which is based on changes in an organism's DNA, polyphenism does not involve genetic changes. Instead, it is a non-genetic form of variation that allows an organism to adapt to its environment in real-time.
Examples
One of the most well-known examples of polyphenism is found in butterflies and moths, which undergo a dramatic transformation from caterpillar to adult. Other examples include the caste system in ants, where workers and soldiers are produced from the same genetic stock but have different physical characteristics, and the seasonal morphs of certain butterflies and moths, which can have different wing patterns and colors depending on the time of year.
Mechanism
The mechanism behind polyphenism is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve epigenetic changes, which are changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be triggered by environmental factors such as temperature, diet, or social interactions.
Related Terms
- Phenotypic plasticity: The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment.
- Epigenetics: The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyphenism
- Wikipedia's article - Polyphenism
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