canalization The holding of a developmental process within narrow bounds despite both genetic and environmental disturbing forces. Thus cells will progress along particular developmental pathways until they become differentiated into their final, adult forms. Development is such that all the different genotypes have a standard phenotype over the range of environments common to that species. See also autopoiesis.

canalization A developmental process that is held within narrow bounds despite both genetic and environmental disturbing forces. Development is such that all the different genotypes have a standard phenotype over the range of environments common to that species.

canalization The developmental process that is held within narrow bounds despite both genetic and environmental disturbing forces. Thus, cells will progress along particular developmental pathways until they become differentiated into their final, adult forms. Development is such that all the different genotypes have a standard phenotype over the range of environments common to that species.

canalization (in evolutionary genetics) A developmental mechanism that limits variation of the phenotype within narrow bounds by repressing underlying genetic variation. It thus maintains a fairly uniform phenotype over a range of different environments in which the organism might normally occur. Canalization is achieved by various genes concerned with development and stress responses. Mutation of these, or exposure to extreme environmental stress, will uncover the genetic variation hitherto hidden by canalization, enabling the population to undergo rapid evolution.