Digest: Evolution of plasticity and its potential role in the decline of specialists.

How does plasticity evolve over relatively short timescales? Through a series of common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments, Walter et al. found distinct patterns of variation in the phenotype and gene expression for two closely related Sicilian daisy species of the genus Senecio across an elevational gradient. This suggests that adaptive divergence may produce interspecific differences in both the magnitude and direction of plasticity. The nonadaptive nature of the plasticity found in Senecio aethnensis has important implications for conservation efforts and evolutionary modeling.

Digest: Data tests and testable definitions of evolutionary phenomena.

How can we best test evolutionary phenomena that have historically muddled definitions? How do we ascertain whether data are appropriate or sufficient to explore our hypotheses? Moen et al. demonstrate a framework for accomplishing these goals that can be applied to most studies that use trait and tree data. Simultaneously, they provide a generalized approach for testing for adaptive radiation, a phenomenon with potential to help us understand drivers of evolution.

Digest: Macroevolutionary pattern from microevolutionary processes.

How can we bridge the gap between studies concerning microevolution and those concerning macroevolution? Taverne et al. provide a framework for how to study both intraspecific and interspecific variations simultaneously through their examination of how craniomandibular skeletal and muscle shape responds to ecological pressures in Podarcis lizards.

Digest: Taxonomically inclusive and quantitative tests for convergence.

How common is morphological convergence, and can the cause of convergence be traced to simple ecological categories like diet? Tamagnini et al. use phylogenetic comparative methods and simple morphological data from a large number of Carnivora taxa to investigate whether diet causes convergence in their craniomandibular complex. They find that convergence is less prevalent than expected and that this outcome is likely caused by a complex interplay between biomechanics, ecology, and morphology.