Chapter 5: Problem 11

Contrast developmental plasticity and acclimation.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The main difference between developmental plasticity and acclimation when comparing their responses to environmental changes is their timeframe and nature of change. Developmental plasticity occurs during the early life stages, involves modifications to an organism's development resulting in phenotypical changes, and these changes are often long-lasting or permanent. In contrast, acclimation happens over a relatively short period, involves adjustments made to an organism's physiological processes, and the changes are typically reversible once the organism is no longer exposed to the changing environment.

Step by step solution

Define Developmental Plasticity

Developmental plasticity is the ability of an organism to modify its developmental trajectory in response to changes in environmental conditions experienced during its early life stages. This can lead to phenotypic variations that help the organism adapt to its environment more effectively. For example, certain plants may grow taller in response to increased competition for sunlight, while animals may develop thicker fur in cold climates.

Define Acclimation

Acclimation refers to an organism's ability to adjust its physiological processes in response to changes in environmental conditions, typically over a short period. This allows the organism to maintain optimal performance and increase its chances of survival in a changing environment. For example, a human may start sweating when exposed to high temperatures to help regulate their body temperature.

Compare: Types of Environmental Responses

Both developmental plasticity and acclimation represent ways in which organisms can respond to environmental changes. Developmental plasticity involves modifications to an organism's development resulting in phenotypical changes, while acclimation refers to adjustments made to an organism's physiological processes.

Contrast: Timeframe

One of the most significant differences between developmental plasticity and acclimation is the timeframe in which these responses occur. Developmental plasticity happens during the early life stages of an organism, and the changes are often long-lasting or permanent. On the other hand, acclimation occurs over a relatively short period, and the adjustments made are typically reversible once the organism is no longer exposed to the changing environment.

Contrast: Possible Effects on Future Generations

Another key difference between developmental plasticity and acclimation is their potential impact on future generations. Phenotypic variations resulting from developmental plasticity can sometimes be passed on to subsequent generations, providing an avenue for evolutionary adaptation. Acclimation, however, is a short-term physiological response and does not directly affect an organism's genetic material or offspring.

Contrast: Examples

To contrast developmental plasticity and acclimation via examples: In the case of a plant growing taller to compete for sunlight, this is an example of developmental plasticity since it reflects changes in the plant's development in response to its environment. In contrast, a human sweating to dissipate heat is an example of acclimation, as it is a physiological adjustment made to cope with a change in environmental conditions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Contrast developmental plasticity and acclimation.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Developmental Plasticity

Define Acclimation

Compare: Types of Environmental Responses

Contrast: Timeframe

Contrast: Possible Effects on Future Generations

Contrast: Examples

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Ecological Conservation

Ecology Research

Biological Resources

Sustainability

Living Environment

Pollution

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.