Resolving the consequences of gradual phenotypic plasticity for populations in variable environments

Phenotypic adjustments following environmental change are ubiquitous, and trait changes arising through phenotypic plasticity often lag behind their stimuli. Evolutionary biologists seeking to understand how adaptive can evolve have extensively studied this phenomenon. However, the ecological consequences of common features plastic responses variability, including gradual (i.e., slower than pace change), underappreciated. We present a framework based on unifying concept phenotype × environment performance landscapes that encompasses plasticity. Then, we experimentally investigate contexts where is important, using freshwater phytoplankton populations exposed thermal variation. Finally, our conceptual framework, develop mathematical model explains population dynamics in variable environments better alternative models. Understanding accounting for effects critical making vital predictions advancing ecology.