Which immediate response mechanism often precedes true, heritable evolution upon invasion?
Answer
Phenotypic plasticity
When a species enters a novel environment, the immediate response leading toward adaptation is often not a permanent shift in genetic code, but rather the activation of phenotypic plasticity. This concept refers to the inherent ability of an individual organism to alter its physical characteristics or traits directly in response to changing environmental conditions, such as shifts in salinity or temperature, without requiring a change in its underlying genetic makeup. While true, heritable evolution does occur over generations, phenotypic plasticity is frequently the initial survival mechanism employed by invaders like the zebra mussel when transitioning from their native habitat to a new one.
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