Linking the causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity

Phenotypic plasticity is a foundational concept in ecology and evolution, yet its definitions and applications vary widely across disciplines. In this Special Feature, we synthesise contributions that link the causes and consequences of plasticity across biological scales, taxa and environmental contexts. Topics include methodological advances for quantifying plasticity, the role of trait coordination in shaping plastic responses and the developmental mechanisms underlying anticipatory and mitigating plasticity. Several papers examine transgenerational effects and the distinction between developmental plasticity and phenotypic flexibility. Collectively, these studies highlight the need for integrative frameworks that connect ecological, developmental and evolutionary processes. We conclude by identifying three key themes that emerge across the Special Feature: (1) integrative frameworks that connect ecological, developmental and evolutionary processes; (2) developmental mechanisms such as anticipatory and mitigating plasticity, epigenetic regulation and heterokairy; and (3) trait coordination, highlighting how integrated traits constrain or facilitate plastic responses. These themes can be addressed in plasticity research through cross-disciplinary collaboration, comparative studies and experimental designs that disentangle generative and selective processes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.