14/12/2024
Phenotypic plasticity - Incredible nature!🌿🌱
If Holly (Ilex aquifolium) finds its leaves are being nibbled by deer, it switches genes on to make them spiky when they regrow. So on taller Holly trees, the upper leaves (which are out of reach) have smooth edges, while the lower leaves are prickly 🤙
Phenotypic plasticity - Incredible nature!🌿🌱
If Holly (Ilex aquifolium) finds its leaves are being nibbled by deer, it switches genes on to make them spiky when they regrow. So on taller Holly trees, the upper leaves (which are out of reach) have smooth edges, while the lower leaves are prickly 🤙
The ability of an organism to change its characteristics in response to environmental variations is known as pheno-typic plasticity and is the key driving factor in the evolution of a species. eg; If a Holly finds its leaves are being eaten by herbivores it switches genes on to make them spiky when they regrow.
