Phenotypic plasticity in Polygonum persicaria. I. Diversity and uniformity in genotypic norms of reaction to light

Abstract

The norms of reaction (phenotypic responses) of 20 cloned genotypes from two natural populations of the annual Polygonum persicaria were determined over a broad range of controlled light environments (8-100% full sun). As a result of the functional similarity of genotypes conferred by both phenotypic plasticity and interaction among characters, morphologically diverse genotypes within each population shared equivalent reproductive fitnesses across the full range of light environments. Enormous fitness differentials did result from light treatment itself, however. Such environmentally evoked fitness differences would act to promote maintenance of genetic diversity. (See also 95L/02324 and 02351). -from Authors