Carotenoid-based ornamentation as a dynamic but consistent individual trait |
| |
Authors: | Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez |
| |
Institution: | (1) Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, s/n, E-13071 Ciudad Real, Spain |
| |
Abstract: | Carotenoid-based ornaments act as signals of quality in many animal species. In contrast to feathers, which are relatively
stable structures, carotenoid-pigmented integuments (e.g. bills, lores, tarsi) can change colour rapidly and may better reflect
changes in physiological condition. I studied the seasonal variations in plasma carotenoids in red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) kept on a constant diet and free of intestinal parasites. Furthermore, I analyzed whether seasonal changes in circulating
carotenoids were mirrored by the carotenoid-based coloration of eye rings and bill of this species. Plasma carotenoids showed
seasonal variation, with higher levels coinciding with the end of the mating and the start of the laying season. Eye ring
pigmentation was related to plasma carotenoid levels, and changes in bill hue (but not changes in UV or red bill chroma) mirrored
the variation in plasma carotenoids during the breeding season. Despite the seasonal variation, individual differences in
eye ring pigmentation and bill hue, UV and red chroma were consistent throughout the breeding season. Similarly, individual
differences in eye ring pigmentation and bill hue and red chroma remained consistent between consecutive years. These results
suggest that carotenoid based integumentary colorations act as dynamic traits that accurately reflect the carotenoid-status
of individuals, thus reliably indicating consistent differences in individual quality. Furthermore, variability in signal
expression appears to have a relevant genetic/phenotypic basis independently of environmental conditions.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
| |
Keywords: | Alectoris rufa Carotenoids Sexual selection Honest signaling Ultraviolet coloration |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|