Phenotypic integration does not constrain phenotypic plasticity: differential plasticity of traits is associated to their integration across environments

Understanding constraints to phenotypic plasticity is key given its role on the response of organisms environmental change. It has been suggested that integration, structure trait covariation, could limit plasticity. However, relationship between and integration far from resolved. Using a database functional drought Mediterranean shrub included 20 ecophysiological traits, we assessed environmentally-induced changes in whether constrained expression plasticity, accounting for within-environment variation traits. Furthermore, provide first test association differential across an optimum stressful environment. Phenotypic was positively associated with both environments, but this lost when considered. The similarity plastic two traits predicted their integrated having more similar Such partly explained lower found We no evidence may constitute internal constraint Rather, present empirical demonstration differences responses involve major reorganization relationships among challenge notion stress generally induces tighter phenotype.