Extended phenotypes: a new generation

The concept of extended phenotypes – the effects of genes outside of an individual organism – was formulated by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins over 40 years ago. Driven by modern molecular tools and interdisciplinary perspectives, the study of extended phenotypes has entered a mechanistic phase, and fascinating questions about inter-organismal interactions are being examined at a much finer level of detail than ever before. The studies span taxonomic kingdoms – from insects and plants to fungi and viruses – and involve effectors and effects with grisly and lively descriptors (e.g., toxins, zombies, deception, and dependency).