Plasticity and Conservation

Abstract

Plasticity is a feature of phenotypes and genotypes. Genetic variation is reflected in phenotypic plasticity. When conservation protects genomes it protects complexity and with complexity it protects the beauty of life. However, plasticity is not to be considered as a stationary distinction of the genome. Phenotypic and genetic plasticity are interrelated via plasticity of gene regulation by intrinsic networks with non-linear dynamics. In the "evo-devo" (evolution - development) perspective of plasticity epigenetic dynamics must be essential, and thus, plasticity may also be considered to be a process. Closely related to plasticity is diversity and this is of enormous concern in conservation. As a feature of space, ecological niches are shaped by spatiotemporal-functional dynamics of plasticity. Plasticity of plants in growth and development is essential for their occupation of space. There is a dual plasticity, i.e. plasticity of species and plasticity of niches. Conservation of protected areas sustains space as a resource of life. Plasticity may either attenuate or accelerate speciation. In the latter case it is a source of biodiversity. The genotypes but also the epigenetic properties of DNA and histone methylation are products of evolution. With the essential role of diversity in the regulation of ecosystem functions and stability this evidently merges evolutionary and ecological aspects. We need to extend the evo-devo to an evo-devo-eco concept. It underlines the prominent role of conservation for developing ethics of respect of past evolutionary heritage and present ecological treasure. Conservation protects biodiversity as an important natural heritage of the biosphere of which man is a biological part by evolution and an operator by culture, on which man is totally dependent, and which by ethical imperative man must conserve. © 2010 ABECO.