Figure 1

Plasticity as a developing trait. In this simplified scenario, plasticity at time 2 (i.e., the slope of the reaction norm at time 2) depends on the environmental conditions experienced at time 1. Specifically, plasticity at time 2 is mediated by a phenotypic trait that develops at time 1 through a genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction. The adult phenotype develops at time 2 through a phenotype-by-environment (P×E) interaction. Finally, an individual's fitness is determined at time 3 by the match between an individual's phenotype and the state of the environment.