Phenotypic plasticity and developmental noise in Daphnia longispina group

摘要

In planktonic cladocerans, hybrids emerge as a result of sexual reproduction. The genetic material of the two species is thus mixed. It seems therefore possible that phenotypic plasticity and developmental noise of hybrids is greater than in mother species. To test this hypothesis, I measured the variability of some parameters of life history, as well as morphological features of individuals from three clones of Daphnia longispina group. Indeed, the results of experimental exposure of Daphnia from all clones to abiotic and biotic stress showed the greater phenotypic plasticity in hybrid, as compared to parental species.