Phenotypic accommodation: adaptive development variably alters environmentally induced gene expression in spadefoot toad tadpoles

This study used spadefoot toad tadpoles (Spea multiplicata) to investigate how adaptive gene expression changes during development overcome or extend changes induced by exposure to a new environment. These tadpoles typically develop into an omnivore morph that produces features that allow them to feed on detritus and microorganisms. However, upon consumption of meat, they can alternatively develop into evolutionarily unique carnivore morph possessing behavioral, morphological, and physiological features that enable it to specialize on large, mobile prey such as fairy shrimp or other tadpoles. Tadpoles were reared in either an omnivore-favoring environment or an environment that induces and favors carnivores. Liver and brain tissue were 3' sequenced to identify gene expression changes associated with alternative rearing conditions and to determine how these changes are related to those involved in adaptive development.