• Narayan Behera
• Gerdien de Jong

Evolution of a phenotypically plastic trait is examined under weak optimizing selection in a heterogeneous environment. Selection operates towards optimum phenotype that depends upon the environment. Density dependent number regulation is caused by non-uniform food supply. The juveniles do not disperse but develop in the parental patch. An adult has a certain probability to migrate to a different patch of selection. Density dependent number regulation operates after selection. There is one gaussian food distribution over the patches. The model is individual based. A mutation model has been developed to find the ESS genotypic values. In the absence of phenotypic plasticity, multiple populations are observed at evolutionary equilibrium with clear niche separation. The genotypes are specialists. The splitting of the population occurs beyond a critical value of food width (defined as the food distance between patches where food supply is half of the maximum value) at a fixed migration parameter. This critical value is reduced as the peakedness of the migration distribution increases. The genotypes develop generalist tendencies with the increase of the level of plasticity. Eventually, genetic differentiation is removed and one population is found at equilibrium beyond a critical value of plasticity. The genotypes become generalists. Phenotypic plasticity increases niche width and tempers niche separation.

genotype, phenotype, evolution, plasticity, mutation model, ESS

"Presence of specialist and generalist genotypes in a heterogeneous environment", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no.f227-f245, December-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112529.pdf

"Presence of specialist and generalist genotypes in a heterogeneous environment", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no. ppf227-f245, December-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112529.pdf