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). Here we meet several young scientists and the systems they study (and are creating) to help us understand the mechanistic bases of extended phenotypes.