Ecads(Ecophenes)
Ecads(ecophenes), refers to a population of plants from the same genetic stock that exhibit noticeable phenotypic differences, such as variations in size, shape, or leaf number. These differences are induced by environmental factors, making them temporary and reversible.
For instance, one type of ecads can transform into another if its habitat changes. When they are transplanted into the same environment, they become uniform in appearance.
This demonstrates phenotypic plasticity, which is the ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to environmental changes. Phenotypic plasticity is a key strategy that allows plants to adapt to varying environmental conditions.
Ecophenes are temporary variations that vanish when an organism is placed in a different environment. These variations are reversible because they do not alter the organism’s genetic makeup. As somatic variations, ecophenes are not permanent and can change over time. They are environmentally induced and arise when an organism adapts to a new environment.
Euphorbia hirta exhibits two distinct ecads: one adapted to growing in dry, compact soils and another thriving in areas subjected to heavy trampling. Similarly, in humans, an individual living in Africa and another living in northern Europe will display differences in physical features due to environmental influences.
Ecotypes
An ecotype refers to a population, subspecies, or race of organisms that has evolved and adapted to the unique environmental conditions of a particular geographic area or habitat. These adaptations may involve changes in physical characteristics, behaviors, or physiological processes that enhance survival and reproduction in that specific environment.
Populations often exhibit a range of phenotypic variations influenced by environmental differences. These variations typically persist even when organisms are placed in a new environment and are passed on to their offspring, suggesting that the traits are genetically determined rather than environmentally induced.
In 1925, Swedish ecologist Turesson studied the plant species Campanula rotundifolia and observed genetically fixed phenotypic differences among its populations.
He observed that mountain populations were shorter and flowered earlier than those in lowland areas. These traits were well-suited for growth in the low vegetation of mountainous regions and for adapting to the shorter growing season at high altitudes by flowering and producing seeds quickly. He referred to these distinct phenotypic forms as ecotypes.
In ecotypes, these adaptations become permanent or genetically fixed. Different ecotypes of the same species may vary in their requirements for soil conditions (edaphic), interactions with other organisms (biotic), or microclimatic factors. Despite these genetic adaptations, they can interbreed with other ecotypes of the same species and produce fertile offspring.
The aromatic plant Artemisia campestris, commonly known as field sagewort, thrives in diverse habitats. Its form varies depending on the environment in which it grows. For example, a variety found on shifting dunes at Falsterbo on the Swedish coast has broad leaves, white hairs, and an upright growth habit. In contrast, a variety growing on calcareous rocks in Öland exhibits horizontally spreading branches without upright growth.
Euphorbia hirta has two separate ecotypes: one that is permanently adapted to flourish in moist environments and another that is specialized for enduring dry conditions.
Ecospecies
An ecospecies is a taxonomic classification that encompasses one or more ecotypes of a particular species. It represents a broader group of genetically distinct populations that, although they share a common species identity, have adapted to specific environmental conditions in different regions.
The ecotypes within an ecospecies are capable of interbreeding, they typically do not crossbreed—or fail to produce viable offspring—when crossed with ecotypes from other ecospecies.
They are genetically adapted to particular environmental conditions and may exhibit phenotypic differences, such as variations in morphology or physiology, due to environmental diversity. They can interbreed with neighboring ecotypes without any loss of fertility or vigor.
An ecospecies may encompass different subspecies or breeds of an organism. Over time, they can diversify, yet the subspecies within them remain capable of producing fertile offspring with each other.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQS)
What are Ecads(Ecophenes)?
An ecad, also known as an ecophene, refers to a population of plants from the same genetic stock that exhibit noticeable phenotypic differences, such as variations in size, shape, or leaf number. These differences are induced by environmental factors, making them temporary and reversible.
What do you mean by Ecotypes?
An ecotype refers to a population, subspecies, or race of organisms that has evolved and adapted to the unique environmental conditions of a particular geographic area or habitat. These adaptations may involve changes in physical characteristics, behaviors, or physiological processes that enhance survival and reproduction in that specific environment.
What is the meaning of Ecospecies?
An ecospecies is a taxonomic classification that encompasses one or more ecotypes of a particular species. It represents a broader group of genetically distinct populations that, although they share a common species identity, have adapted to specific environmental conditions in different regions.
What are the examples of Ecotypes?
Artemisia campestris, commonly known as field sagewort, thrives in diverse habitats. Its form varies depending on the environment in which it grows. For example, a variety found on shifting dunes at Falsterbo on the Swedish coast has broad leaves, white hairs, and an upright growth habit. In contrast, a variety growing on calcareous rocks in Öland exhibits horizontally spreading branches without upright growth.
Euphorbia hirta has two separate ecotypes: one that is permanently adapted to flourish in moist environments and another that is specialized for enduring dry conditions.
What are the examples of Ecads(Ecophenes)?
Euphorbia hirta exhibits two distinct ecophenes: one adapted to growing in dry, compact soils and another thriving in areas subjected to heavy trampling.
Similarly, in humans, an individual living in Africa and another living in northern Europe will display differences in physical features due to environmental influences.
