Figure I. Potential Mechanisms of Transgenerational Plasticity.

Transgenerational plasticity can operate through a variety of mechanisms listed above that affect offspring at various stages of ontogeny, including at fertilization, during development/gestation, and after emergence. While some mechanisms are specifically linked to one stage of offspring development (e.g., epigenetic changes in gametes conveyed at fertilization), other mechanisms (e.g., parental state, niche construction) are relevant for offspring at multiple points in development. Regardless of when parental cues are delivered to offspring, many transgenerational plasticity mechanisms have lifelong effects on offspring.