Transcriptomic basis of a polyphenism

Polyphenism--in which multiple distinct phenotypes are produced from a single genotype owing to differing environmental conditions--is commonplace, but its molecular bases are poorly understood. This study examined the transcriptomic bases of a polyphenism in Mexican spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata). Depending on their environment, their tadpoles develop into either a default 'omnivore' morph or a novel 'carnivore' morph. Tadpoles were identified as coming from sibships that were more or less carnivore-like following exposure to carnivore-inducing cues. Tadpoles from these high and low plasticity sibships were sampled two days after exposure to carnivore-inducing or control conditions, but prior to alternative morph development. Samples consist of 3' RNAseq reads from head and body regions.