As it is known, the genotype is not the essential structure that is capable of determining all qualities of an organism. In other words, genotype does not determine phenotype. For instance, a few animals of one species may have different phenotypes with the same genotype. Genotype defines only a set of specific reactions and capabilities of an organism, but they can change under the influence of the environment or other factors (Suzuki & Nijhout, 2008, p. 690). Such changes are called polyphenism. This function of a body is still poorly understood, but nevertheless, it is clear that it is very important for animals, because it is a types of adaptation, as "polyphenisms are adaptive evolutionary strategies" (Suzuki & Nijhout, 2008, p. 690). Animals with the same genotype can have different features the diverse phenotypes, and it largely depends on how and where an animal develops. For example, temperature plays an important role for some butterflies during the development stage of a caterpillar; the temperature rise is capable of causing a change of caterpillars' color (Martin, Ghalambor, & Woods, 2014, p. 33). These changes involve changes in hormonal sphere. Thus, it can be concluded that polyphenism plays an important role in the adaptation process, and thus is an important component of evolutionary change. Also, there is evidence that polyphenism is a part of natural selection, which is important for the evolution of species a priori. Hence, a diet and a place in the food chain are one of the most common factors involved in the formation methods (Suzuki & Nijhout, 2008, p. 691). For instance, the singing of a female titmouse's, which is in fact its uncharacteristic feature because only males are predisposed to sing, can be considered an example of a predator-influenced polyphenism (Martin, Ghalambor, & Woods, 2014, p. 31). Scientists have identified an interesting feature of a female titmouse: it can start to sing when a predator is near, but this happens only in some equatorial latitudes.
Reference
Martin, L. B., Ghalambor, C. K., & Woods, A. (2014). Integrative Organismal Biology. Somerset, US: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Suzuki, Y., & Nijhout, H. F. (2008). Constraint and developmental dissociation of phenotypic integration in a genetically accommodated trait. Evolution & Development, 10(6), 690-699. doi:10.1111/j.1525-142X.2008.00282.x
