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Story summary
- Researchers at the National University of Singapore identify Antennapedia as a genetic switch that regulates wing eyespot size in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana in response to seasonal temperature changes.
- Warmer conditions yield larger eyespots to deter predators, while cooler conditions yield smaller eyespots to enhance camouflage.
- The findings show that a single gene can drive phenotypic plasticity, challenging the notion that gradual, multi-gene changes are required.
