International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 139-153 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 139 Research Insight Open Access Mechanisms of Adaptation in Aquatic Species: From Phenotypic Plasticity to Genetic Evolution RudiMai Tropical Marine Fisheries Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: rudi.mai@hitar.org International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0015 Received: 18 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 11 May., 2024 Published: 31 May., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Mai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Mai R.D., 2024, Mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species: from phenotypic plasticity to genetic evolution, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(3): 139-153 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0015) Abstract This study explores the mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species, including phenotypic plasticity, genetic evolution, and molecular mechanisms. Aquatic species exhibit significant phenotypic plasticity, allowing them to respond rapidly to environmental changes. Changes in gene expression related to osmoregulation and metabolic processes demonstrate how species adjust their physiological states to cope with varying conditions. Genetic evolution plays a crucial role in long-term adaptation, driven by processes such as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. Research shows that specific genes in marine mammals and freshwater prawns are crucial for their adaptation to aquatic environments. Molecular adaptations involve gene regulation, genomic changes, and epigenetic modifications. Studies on fireflies and marine diatoms provide insights into the genetic basis of adaptation to different environmental conditions. Keywords Phenotypic plasticity; Genetic evolution; Gene expression; Aquatic species; Adaptation mechanisms 1 Introduction Aquatic species exhibit a diverse array of adaptations that enable them to survive and thrive in various water environments. These adaptations, which can be physiological, morphological, or behavioral, are essential for overcoming the unique challenges posed by aquatic habitats. This research delves into the mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species, exploring both phenotypic plasticity and genetic evolution. Adaptation in aquatic species involves a variety of changes that allow organisms to cope with the specific demands of living in water. These changes include modifications in osmoregulation, respiration, locomotion, and sensory systems. For instance, secondary aquatic vertebrates, which have transitioned from terrestrial to aquatic environments, have developed numerous convergent adaptations such as changes in body shape, buoyancy control, and enhanced respiratory and sensory capabilities (Houssaye and Fish, 2016). The adaptation process can be seen in various species, such as marine mammals, which have evolved specific physiological traits to survive in marine environments. These traits include the ability to dive deep and remain submerged for extended periods, modifications in the structure and function of the respiratory system, and enhanced sensory systems for navigating and hunting in the aquatic environment (Davis, 2019). Plants also exhibit significant adaptations when transitioning from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. For example, the aquatic plant Ranunculus bungei and its terrestrial relatives have shown molecular adaptations in genes related to water transport and microtubule organization, which are crucial for survival in submerged conditions (Chen et al., 2015). Similarly, fireflies that have both terrestrial and aquatic larvae have demonstrated genetic adaptations that enhance their metabolic efficiency and morphology for aquatic living (Zhang et al., 2020). Understanding the mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides insights into the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity. Studying these mechanisms can reveal how different species have independently evolved similar solutions to common environmental challenges. This knowledge helps us understand the broader principles of evolution and adaptation. For example, the study of fireflies has revealed significant differences in gene expression related to metabolic efficiency and hypoxia
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