Phenotypic Plasticity
The ability of an organism to change its phenotype (observable characteristics) in response to environmental conditions, without changes to its underlying genotype.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 5 chapters:
"... How organisms sense and respond to changing conditions. Markets shift. Technologies emerge. Competitors evolve. You'll learn the difference between phenotypic plasticity (changing behavior without changing DNA) and evolution (changing DNA itself), and when each strategy applies to companies. *Book 4: Information & C..."
"...back loops), explore why some stress makes systems stronger (hormesis), and see how organisms adapt within their lifetime without changing their DNA (phenotypic plasticity). Then we'll watch this play out in business: data-driven platforms' exquisite sensitivity to user behavior, Blockbuster's sensory failure, Twitter'..."
"They're the companies whose existing variation happened to match the new environment. Or whose DNA included phenotypic plasticity (Chapter 4) allowing rapid adaptation. Or whose reproduction strategy (Chapter 5) enabled fast iteration. Selection doesn't reward greatness."
"...ed them to sense limiting factors and allocate accordingly. A seedling in drought allocates to roots. The same seedling in shade allocates to shoots. Phenotypic plasticity allows the same genetic program to produce different allocation patterns. Companies in early growth face identical allocation problems. The Sel..."
"...able conditions often performs worst across full cycles. Maximum efficiency during booms creates maximum vulnerability during busts. Strategy 2: Phenotypic Plasticity - Adapting Within a Lifetime Some organisms respond to cycles by adjusting their phenotype (observable characteristics) within their lifetime based ..."
Biological Context
A caterpillar becoming cryptic or conspicuous depending on predator presence, a plant growing tall in shade or short in sun, muscles strengthening with exercise—all are phenotypic plasticity. It allows organisms to adapt to varying conditions within their lifetime, faster than genetic evolution.
Business Application
Organizational plasticity: the ability to change visible strategy, structure, and behavior in response to market conditions without changing core identity. High plasticity enables rapid adaptation; low plasticity means waiting for 'genetic' (fundamental) change.