151
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López-Rull I, Lifshitz N, Macías Garcia C, Graves JA, Torres R. Females of a polymorphic seabird dislike foreign-looking males. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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152
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Martínez C, Chavarría C, Sharpe DMT, De León LF. Low Predictability of Colour Polymorphism in Introduced Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) Populations in Panama. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148040. [PMID: 26863538 PMCID: PMC4749237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour polymorphism is a recurrent feature of natural populations, and its maintenance has been studied in a range of taxa in their native ranges. However, less is known about whether (and how) colour polymorphism is maintained when populations are removed from their native environments, as in the case of introduced species. We here address this issue by analyzing variation in colour patterns in recently-discovered introduced populations of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) in Panama. Specifically, we use classic colour analysis to estimate variation in the number and the relative area of different colour spots across low predation sites in the introduced Panamanian range of the species. We then compare this variation to that found in the native range of the species under low- and high predation regimes. We found aspects of the colour pattern that were both consistent and inconsistent with the classical paradigm of colour evolution in guppies. On one hand, the same colours that dominated in native populations (orange, iridescent and black) were also the most dominant in the introduced populations in Panama. On the other, there were no clear differences between either introduced-low and native low- and high predation populations. Our results are therefore only partially consistent with the traditional role of female preference in the absence of predators, and suggest that additional factors could influence colour patterns when populations are removed from their native environments. Future research on the interaction between female preference and environmental variability (e.g. multifarious selection), could help understand adaptive variation in this widely-introduced species, and the contexts under which variation in adaptive traits parallels (or not) variation in the native range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestino Martínez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Carmen Chavarría
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
| | | | - Luis Fernando De León
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panamá, República de Panamá
- * E-mail:
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153
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Beukema W, Nicieza AG, Lourenço A, Velo-Antón G. Colour polymorphism inSalamandra salamandra(Amphibia: Urodela), revealed by a lack of genetic and environmental differentiation between distinct phenotypes. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beukema
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
- Department of Pathology; Bacteriology and Avian Diseases; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Alfredo G. Nicieza
- Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas; Universidad de Oviedo; Oviedo Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (UMIB); CSIC-Universidad de Oviedo-Principado de Asturias; Mieres Spain
| | - André Lourenço
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
| | - Guillermo Velo-Antón
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
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154
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Yewers MSC, Pryke S, Stuart-Fox D. Behavioural differences across contexts may indicate morph-specific strategies in the lizard Ctenophorus decresii. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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155
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Chargé R, Wedell N, Lindstedt C, Hämäläinen L, Övermark E, Mappes J. Variation in male fertility in a polymorphic moth, Parasemia plantaginis. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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156
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Roulin A, Des Monstiers B, Ifrid E, Da Silva A, Genzoni E, Dreiss AN. Reciprocal preening and food sharing in colour-polymorphic nestling barn owls. J Evol Biol 2015; 29:380-94. [PMID: 26563617 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Barn owl (Tyto alba) siblings preen and offer food items to one another, behaviours that can be considered prosocial because they benefit a conspecific by relieving distress or need. In experimental broods, we analysed whether such behaviours were reciprocated, preferentially exchanged between specific phenotypes, performed to avoid harassment and food theft or signals of hierarchy status. Three of the results are consistent with the hypothesis of direct reciprocity. First, food sharing was reciprocated in three-chick broods but not in pairs of siblings, that is when nestlings could choose a partner with whom to develop a reciprocating interaction. Second, a nestling was more likely to give a prey item to its sibling if the latter individual had preened the former. Third, siblings matched their investment in preening each other. Manipulation of age hierarchy showed that food stealing was directed towards older siblings but was not performed to compensate for a low level of cooperation received. Social behaviours were related to melanin-based coloration, suggesting that animals may signal their propensity to interact socially. The most prosocial phenotype (darker reddish) was also the phenotype that stole more food, and the effect of coloration on prosocial behaviour depended upon rank and sex, suggesting that colour-related prosociality is state dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - B Des Monstiers
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E Ifrid
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Da Silva
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - E Genzoni
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A N Dreiss
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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157
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Emaresi G, Henry I, Gonzalez E, Roulin A, Bize P. Sex- and melanism-specific variations in the oxidative status of adult tawny owls in response to manipulated reproductive effort. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 219:73-9. [PMID: 26567343 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.128959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, determined by the balance between the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, is hypothesized to play an important role in shaping the cost of reproduction and life history trade-offs. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated reproductive effort in 94 breeding pairs of tawny owls (Strix aluco) to investigate the sex- and melanism-specific effects on markers of oxidative stress in red blood cells (RBCs). This colour polymorphic bird species shows sex-specific division of labour and melanism-specific history strategies. Brood sizes at hatching were experimentally enlarged or reduced to increase or decrease reproductive effort, respectively. We obtained an integrative measure of the oxidative balance by measuring ROS production by RBCs, intracellular antioxidant glutathione levels and membrane resistance to ROS. We found that light melanic males (the sex undertaking offspring food provisioning) produced more ROS than darker conspecifics, but only when rearing an enlarged brood. In both sexes, light melanic individuals had also a larger pool of intracellular antioxidant glutathione than darker owls under relaxed reproductive conditions (i.e. reduced brood), but not when investing substantial effort in current reproduction (enlarged brood). Finally, resistance to oxidative stress was differently affected by the brood size manipulation experiment in males and females independently of their plumage coloration. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis that reproductive effort can alter the oxidative balance in a sex- and colour-specific way. This further emphasizes the close link between melanin-based coloration and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Emaresi
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Henry
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Esther Gonzalez
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Bize
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
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158
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Dijkstra PD, Pierotti ME, Seehausen O, Metcalfe NB. Metabolism, oxidative stress and territorial behaviour in a female colour polymorphic cichlid fish. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-2028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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159
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Geographic variation in breeding system and environment predicts melanin-based plumage ornamentation of male and female Kentish plovers. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015; 70:49-60. [PMID: 26766883 PMCID: PMC4701778 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-2024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sexual selection determines the elaboration of morphological and behavioural traits and thus drives the evolution of phenotypes. Sexual selection on males and females can differ between populations, especially when populations exhibit different breeding systems. A substantial body of literature describes how breeding systems shape ornamentation across species, with a strong emphasis on male ornamentation and female preference. However, whether breeding system predicts ornamentation within species and whether similar mechanisms as in males also shape the phenotype of females remains unclear. Here, we investigate how different breeding systems are associated with male and female ornamentation in five geographically distinct populations of Kentish plovers Charadrius alexandrinus. We predicted that polygamous populations would exhibit more elaborate ornaments and stronger sexual dimorphism than monogamous populations. By estimating the size and intensity of male (n = 162) and female (n = 174) melanin-based plumage ornaments, i.e. breast bands and ear coverts, we show that plumage ornamentation is predicted by breeding system in both sexes. A difference in especially male ornamentation between polygamous (darker and smaller ornaments) and monogamous (lighter and larger) populations causes the greatest sexual dimorphism to be associated with polygamy. The non-social environment, however, may also influence the degree of ornamentation, for instance through availability of food. We found that, in addition to breeding system, a key environmental parameter, rainfall, predicted a seasonal change of ornamentation in a sex-specific manner. Our results emphasise that to understand the phenotype of animals, it is important to consider both natural and sexual selection acting on both males and females.
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160
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Rankin K, Stuart-Fox D. Testosterone-Induced Expression of Male Colour Morphs in Females of the Polymorphic Tawny Dragon Lizard, Ctenophorus decresii. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140458. [PMID: 26485705 PMCID: PMC4615632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Many colour polymorphisms are present only in one sex, usually males, but proximate mechanisms controlling the expression of sex-limited colour polymorphisms have received little attention. Here, we test the hypothesis that artificial elevation of testosterone in females of the colour polymorphic tawny dragon lizard, Ctenophorus decresii, can induce them to express the same colour morphs, in similar frequencies, to those found in males. Male C. decresii, express four discrete throat colour morphs (orange, yellow, grey and an orange central patch surrounded by yellow). We used silastic implants to experimentally elevate testosterone levels in mature females to induce colour expression. Testosterone elevation resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion and intensity of orange but not yellow colouration, which was present in a subset of females prior to treatment. Consequently, females exhibited the same set of colour morphs as males, and we confirmed that these morphs are objectively classifiable, by using digital image analyses and spectral reflectance measurements, and occur in similar frequencies as in males. These results indicate that the influence of testosterone differs for different colours, suggesting that their expression may be governed by different proximate hormonal mechanisms. Thus, caution must be exercised when using artificial testosterone manipulation to induce female expression of sex-limited colour polymorphisms. Nevertheless, the ability to express sex-limited colours (in this case orange) to reveal the same, objectively classifiable morphs in similar frequencies to males suggests autosomal rather than sex-linked inheritance, and can facilitate further research on the genetic basis of colour polymorphism, including estimating heritability and selection on colour morphs from pedigree data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Rankin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Devi Stuart-Fox
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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161
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Hõrak P, Männiste M. Viability selection affects black but not yellow plumage colour in greenfinches. Oecologia 2015; 180:23-32. [PMID: 26386701 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3451-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Much of the debate surrounding the selective forces responsible for the expression of conspicuous plumage colouration is centred on the question of precisely which individual qualities are signalled by carotenoid- and melanin-based pigments. To examine this and other related issues, we performed viability selection analyses in wild-caught captive male greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) in Estonia during winters between 2003 and 2014. Based on our measurements, birds with a darker black eumelanin-based colouration of tail feathers survived better than those whose tail feathers had a paler black colouration. The carotenoid-based yellow colouration of the same feathers was not associated with mortality in captivity and showed much less between-year variation in the field than the black colouration. Between year-variation in the black (but not yellow) colouration of feathers was parallel in wild-grown feathers (on birds in the wild) and laboratory-grown ones (on birds held temporarily in captivity). Taken together, these findings imply that eumelanotic colouration in greenfinches is currently under selection and suggest the presence of sufficient genetic variation for a rapid response to selection. In particular, tail feathers have become darker black since the emergence of avian trichomonosis, which is known to selectively kill paler individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peeter Hõrak
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Tartu University, Vanemuise 46, 51014, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Marju Männiste
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Tartu University, Vanemuise 46, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
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162
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Ingram T, Jiang Y, Rangel R, Bolnick DI. Widespread positive but weak assortative mating by diet within stickleback populations. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:3352-63. [PMID: 26380669 PMCID: PMC4569031 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Assortative mating - correlation between male and female traits - is common within populations and has the potential to promote genetic diversity and in some cases speciation. Despite its importance, few studies have sought to explain variation in the extent of assortativeness across populations. Here, we measure assortative mating based on an ecologically important trait, diet as inferred from stable isotopes, in 16 unmanipulated lake populations of three-spine stickleback. As predicted, we find a tendency toward positive assortment on the littoral-pelagic axis, although the magnitude is consistently weak. These populations vary relatively little in the strength of assortativeness, and what variation occurs is not explained by hypothesized drivers including habitat cosegregation, the potential for disruptive selection, costs to choosiness, and the strength of the relationship between diet and body size. Our results support recent findings that most assortative mating is positive, while suggesting that new approaches may be required to identify the environmental variables that drive the evolution of nonrandom mating within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Ingram
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin One University Station C0990, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Yuexin Jiang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin One University Station C0990, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Racine Rangel
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin One University Station C0990, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Daniel I Bolnick
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin One University Station C0990, Austin, Texas, 78712 ; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas at Austin One University Station C0990, Austin, Texas, 78712
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163
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Pérez i de Lanuza G, Font E. Differences in conspicuousness between alternative color morphs in a polychromatic lizard. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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164
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165
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Tsubaki Y, Okuyama H. Adaptive loss of color polymorphism and character displacements in sympatric Mnais damselflies. Evol Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-015-9778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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166
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Zina J, Silva GR, Loebmann D, Orrico VGD. The recognition of Dendropsophus minusculus (Rivero, 1971) (Hylidae, Dendropsophini) as a highly polymorphic, multi-domain distributed species. BRAZ J BIOL 2015; 74:S146-53. [PMID: 25627378 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.22912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we present new occurrences of sites of Dendropsophus minusculus in Brazil adding information about reproductive biology and colour patterns of the species. Such information is fundamental for characterising the species that we believe has been neglected due to its morphological similarity with other congeneric species. Dendropsophus minusculus may be found in different morphoclimatic domains, being one of the most generalist species of the genus in this aspect. The species plasticity is not restricted to its occurrence, but also related to aspects of its reproductive biology, and we hypothesised that the latter feature could explain the wide geographical range of the species. We highlight the importance of further in-depth studies and the use of D. minusculus as a model to understand the historical events responsible for the current geographical distribution of the morphoclimatic domains in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zina
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - UESB, Jequié, BA, Brazil
| | - G R Silva
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual do Piauí - UESPI, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - D Loebmann
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - V G D Orrico
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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167
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Dubey S, Zwahlen V, Mebert K, Monney JC, Golay P, Ott T, Durand T, Thiery G, Kaiser L, Geser SN, Ursenbacher S. Diversifying selection and color-biased dispersal in the asp viper. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:99. [PMID: 26026791 PMCID: PMC4449969 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0367-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of intraspecific color polymorphism can have multiple impacts on the ecology of a species; as a consequence, particular color morphs may be strongly selected for in a given habitat type. For example, the asp viper (Vipera aspis) shows a high level of color polymorphism. A blotched morph (cryptic) is common throughout its range (central and western Europe), while a melanistic morph is frequently found in montane populations, presumably for thermoregulatory reasons. Besides, rare atypical uniformly colored individuals are known here and there. Nevertheless, we found in a restricted treeless area of the French Alps, a population containing a high proportion (>50%) of such specimens. The aim of the study is to bring insight into the presence and function of this color morph by (i) studying the genetic structure of these populations using nine microsatellite markers, and testing for (ii) a potential local diversifying selection and (iii) differences in dispersal capacity between blotched and non-blotched vipers. Results Our genetic analyses support the occurrence of local diversifying selection for the non-blotched phenotype. In addition, we found significant color-biased dispersal, blotched individuals dispersing more than atypical individuals. Conclusion We hypothesize that, in this population, the non-blotched phenotype possess an advantage over the typical one, a phenomenon possibly due to a better background matching ability in a more open habitat. In addition, color-biased dispersal might be partly associated with the observed local diversifying selection, as it can affect the genetic structure of populations, and hence the distribution of color morphs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0367-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Valérie Zwahlen
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Konrad Mebert
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jean-Claude Monney
- Karch (Centre de coordination pour la protection des amphibiens et des reptiles de Suisse), Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron 6, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Philippe Golay
- Elapsoïdea, 21 chemin du Moulin, Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Ott
- , Wildensteinerstrasse45, 4416, Bubendorf, Switzerland.
| | | | - Gilles Thiery
- , Rue du Pré de L'Ane, 805, 73000, Chambery, France.
| | - Laura Kaiser
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sylvia N Geser
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sylvain Ursenbacher
- Section of Conservation Biology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland. .,Karch (Centre de coordination pour la protection des amphibiens et des reptiles de Suisse), Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron 6, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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168
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Trnka A, Trnka M, Grim T. Do rufous common cuckoo females indeed mimic a predator? An experimental test. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfréd Trnka
- Department of Biology; University of Trnava; Priemyselná 4 SK-918 43 Trnava Slovakia
| | - Michal Trnka
- Department of Biology; University of Trnava; Priemyselná 4 SK-918 43 Trnava Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Grim
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology; Palacký University; 17. listopadu 50 77146 Olomouc Czech Republic
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169
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Bolton PE, Rollins LA, Griffith SC. The danger within: the role of genetic, behavioural and ecological factors in population persistence of colour polymorphic species. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:2907-15. [PMID: 25870951 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphic species have been the focus of important work in evolutionary biology. It has been suggested that colour polymorphic species have specific evolutionary and population dynamics that enable them to persist through environmental changes better than less variable species. We suggest that recent empirical and theoretical work indicates that polymorphic species may be more vulnerable to extinction than previously thought. This vulnerability arises because these species often have a number of correlated sexual, behavioural, life history and ecological traits, which can have a simple genetic underpinning. When exacerbated by environmental change, these alternate strategies can lead to conflict between morphs at the genomic and population levels, which can directly or indirectly affect population and evolutionary dynamics. In this perspective, we identify a number of ways in which the nature of the correlated traits, their underpinning genetic architecture, and the inevitable interactions between colour morphs can result in a reduction in population fitness. The principles illustrated here apply to all kinds of discrete polymorphism (e.g. behavioural syndromes), but we focus primarily on colour polymorphism because they are well studied. We urge further empirical investigation of the genetic architecture and interactions in polymorphic species to elucidate the impact on population fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peri E Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., 3217, Australia
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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170
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Gangoso L, Afán I, Grande J, Figuerola J. Sociospatial structuration of alternative breeding strategies in a color polymorphic raptor. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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171
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Laaksonen T, Sirkiä PM, Calhim S, Brommer JE, Leskinen PK, Primmer CR, Adamík P, Artemyev AV, Belskii E, Both C, Bureš S, Burgess MD, Doligez B, Forsman JT, Grinkov V, Hoffmann U, Ivankina E, Král M, Krams I, Lampe HM, Moreno J, Mägi M, Nord A, Potti J, Ravussin PA, Sokolov L. Sympatric divergence and clinal variation in multiple coloration traits of Ficedula flycatchers. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:779-90. [PMID: 25683091 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Geographic variation in phenotypes plays a key role in fundamental evolutionary processes such as local adaptation, population differentiation and speciation, but the selective forces behind it are rarely known. We found support for the hypothesis that geographic variation in plumage traits of the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca is explained by character displacement with the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis in the contact zone. The plumage traits of the pied flycatcher differed strongly from the more conspicuous collared flycatcher in a sympatric area but increased in conspicuousness with increasing distance to there. Phenotypic differentiation (PST ) was higher than that in neutral genetic markers (FST ), and the effect of geographic distance remained when statistically controlling for neutral genetic differentiation. This suggests that a cline created by character displacement and gene flow explains phenotypic variation across the distribution of this species. The different plumage traits of the pied flycatcher are strongly to moderately correlated, indicating that they evolve non-independently from each other. The flycatchers provide an example of plumage patterns diverging in two species that differ in several aspects of appearance. The divergence in sympatry and convergence in allopatry in these birds provide a possibility to study the evolutionary mechanisms behind the highly divergent avian plumage patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Finnish Museum of Natural History, Zoology Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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172
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Roulin A. Condition-dependence, pleiotropy and the handicap principle of sexual selection in melanin-based colouration. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 91:328-48. [PMID: 25631160 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The signalling function of melanin-based colouration is debated. Sexual selection theory states that ornaments should be costly to produce, maintain, wear or display to signal quality honestly to potential mates or competitors. An increasing number of studies supports the hypothesis that the degree of melanism covaries with aspects of body condition (e.g. body mass or immunity), which has contributed to change the initial perception that melanin-based colour ornaments entail no costs. Indeed, the expression of many (but not all) melanin-based colour traits is weakly sensitive to the environment but strongly heritable suggesting that these colour traits are relatively cheap to produce and maintain, thus raising the question of how such colour traits could signal quality honestly. Here I review the production, maintenance and wearing/displaying costs that can generate a correlation between melanin-based colouration and body condition, and consider other evolutionary mechanisms that can also lead to covariation between colour and body condition. Because genes controlling melanic traits can affect numerous phenotypic traits, pleiotropy could also explain a linkage between body condition and colouration. Pleiotropy may result in differently coloured individuals signalling different aspects of quality that are maintained by frequency-dependent selection or local adaptation. Colouration may therefore not signal absolute quality to potential mates or competitors (e.g. dark males may not achieve a higher fitness than pale males); otherwise genetic variation would be rapidly depleted by directional selection. As a consequence, selection on heritable melanin-based colouration may not always be directional, but mate choice may be conditional to environmental conditions (i.e. context-dependent sexual selection). Despite the interest of evolutionary biologists in the adaptive value of melanin-based colouration, its actual role in sexual selection is still poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Building Biophore, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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173
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Venesky MD, Hess A, DeMarchi JA, Weil A, Murone J, Hickerson CAM, Anthony CD. Morph-specific differences in disease prevalence and pathogen-induced mortality in a terrestrial polymorphic salamander. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Venesky
- Department of Biology; Allegheny College; Meadville PA USA
| | - A. Hess
- Department of Biology; Allegheny College; Meadville PA USA
| | - J. A. DeMarchi
- Department of Biology; Allegheny College; Meadville PA USA
| | - A. Weil
- Department of Biology; Allegheny College; Meadville PA USA
| | - J. Murone
- Department of Biology; Allegheny College; Meadville PA USA
| | - C.-A. M. Hickerson
- Department of Biology; John Carroll University; University Heights OH USA
| | - C. D. Anthony
- Department of Biology; John Carroll University; University Heights OH USA
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174
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Farrell LL, Küpper C, Burke T, Lank DB. Major breeding plumage color differences of male ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) are not associated with coding sequence variation in the MC1R gene. J Hered 2014; 106:211-5. [PMID: 25534935 PMCID: PMC4323066 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esu079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequence variation in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene explains color morph variation in several species of birds and mammals. Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) exhibit major dark/light color differences in melanin-based male breeding plumage which is closely associated with alternative reproductive behavior. A previous study identified a microsatellite marker (Ppu020) near the MC1R locus associated with the presence/absence of ornamental plumage. We investigated whether coding sequence variation in the MC1R gene explains major dark/light plumage color variation and/or the presence/absence of ornamental plumage in ruffs. Among 821bp of the MC1R coding region from 44 male ruffs we found 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms, representing 1 nonsynonymous and 2 synonymous amino acid substitutions. None were associated with major dark/light color differences or the presence/absence of ornamental plumage. At all amino acid sites known to be functionally important in other avian species with dark/light plumage color variation, ruffs were either monomorphic or the shared polymorphism did not coincide with color morph. Neither ornamental plumage color differences nor the presence/absence of ornamental plumage in ruffs are likely to be caused entirely by amino acid variation within the coding regions of the MC1R locus. Regulatory elements and structural variation at other loci may be involved in melanin expression and contribute to the extreme plumage polymorphism observed in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L Farrell
- From the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK (Farrell, Küpper, and Burke); and the Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada (Farrell and Lank). Lindsay L. Farrell is now at Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Clemens Küpper
- From the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK (Farrell, Küpper, and Burke); and the Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada (Farrell and Lank). Lindsay L. Farrell is now at Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Terry Burke
- From the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK (Farrell, Küpper, and Burke); and the Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada (Farrell and Lank). Lindsay L. Farrell is now at Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - David B Lank
- From the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK (Farrell, Küpper, and Burke); and the Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada (Farrell and Lank). Lindsay L. Farrell is now at Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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175
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Foster, but not genetic, father plumage coloration has a temperature-dependent effect on offspring quality. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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176
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Roulin A. Melanin-based colour polymorphism responding to climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2014; 20:3344-3350. [PMID: 24700793 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Climate warming leads to a decrease in biodiversity. Organisms can deal with the new prevailing environmental conditions by one of two main routes, namely evolving new genetic adaptations or through phenotypic plasticity to modify behaviour and physiology. Melanin-based colouration has important functions in animals including a role in camouflage and thermoregulation, protection against UV-radiation and pathogens and, furthermore, genes involved in melanogenesis can pleiotropically regulate behaviour and physiology. In this article, I review the current evidence that differently coloured individuals are differentially sensitive to climate change. Predicting which of dark or pale colour variants (or morphs) will be more penalized by climate change will depend on the adaptive function of melanism in each species as well as how the degree of colouration covaries with behaviour and physiology. For instance, because climate change leads to a rise in temperature and UV-radiation and dark colouration plays a role in UV-protection, dark individuals may be less affected from global warming, if this phenomenon implies more solar radiation particularly in habitats of pale individuals. In contrast, as desertification increases, pale colouration may expand in those regions, whereas dark colourations may expand in regions where humidity is predicted to increase. Dark colouration may be also indirectly selected by climate warming because genes involved in the production of melanin pigments confer resistance to a number of stressful factors including those associated with climate warming. Furthermore, darker melanic individuals are commonly more aggressive than paler conspecifics, and hence they may better cope with competitive interactions due to invading species that expand their range in northern latitudes and at higher altitudes. To conclude, melanin may be a major component involved in adaptation to climate warming, and hence in animal populations melanin-based colouration is likely to change as an evolutionary or plastic response to climate warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Building Biophore, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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177
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Culumber ZW, Bautista-Hernández CE, Monks S, Arias-Rodriguez L, Tobler M. Variation in Melanism and Female Preference in Proximate but Ecologically Distinct Environments. Ethology 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Culumber
- Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas de las Huastecas “Aguazarca”; Calnali Hidalgo Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo; Pachuca Hidalgo Mexico
| | - Christian E. Bautista-Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas de las Huastecas “Aguazarca”; Calnali Hidalgo Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo; Pachuca Hidalgo Mexico
| | - Scott Monks
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo; Pachuca Hidalgo Mexico
| | - Lenin Arias-Rodriguez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas; Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT); Villahermosa Tabasco Mexico
| | - Michael Tobler
- Department of Zoology; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK USA
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178
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Carletti G, Nervo G, Cattivelli L. Flavonoids and Melanins: a common strategy across two kingdoms. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:1159-70. [PMID: 25516714 PMCID: PMC4261200 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.9672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiations alter a number of metabolic functions in vivant. They produce damages to lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, generating reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen (O2), hydroxyl radical (HO) and superoxide anion (O2-). Plants and animals, after their water emersion, have developed biochemical mechanisms to protect themselves from that environmental threat through a common strategy. Melanins in animals and flavonoids in plants are antioxidant pigments acting as free radical scavenging mechanisms. Both are phenol compounds constitutively synthesized and enhanced after exposure to UV rays, often conferring a red-brown-dark tissue pigmentation. Noteworthy, beside anti-oxidant scavenging activity, melanins and flavonoids have acquired secondary functions that, both in plants and animals, concern reproductions and fitness. Plants highly pigmented are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Darker wild vertebrates are generally more aggressive, sexually active and resistant to stress than lighter individuals. Flavonoids have been associated with signal attraction between flowers and insects and with plant-plant interaction. Melanin pigmentation has been proposed as trait in bird communication, acting as honest signals of quality. This review shows how the molecular mechanisms leading to tissue pigmentation have many functional analogies between plants and animals and how their origin lies in simpler organisms such as Cyanobacteria. Comparative studies between plant and animal kingdoms can reveal new insight of the antioxidant strategies in vivant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Carletti
- 1. Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Research Unit for Intensive Wood Production, Strada Frassineto 35, 15033 Casale Monferrato, AL, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nervo
- 1. Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Research Unit for Intensive Wood Production, Strada Frassineto 35, 15033 Casale Monferrato, AL, Italy
| | - Luigi Cattivelli
- 2. Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Genomics Research Centre, via S Protaso 302, I-29107 Fiorenzuola d'Arda, PC, Italy
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179
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Wellenreuther M, Svensson EI, Hansson B. Sexual selection and genetic colour polymorphisms in animals. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:5398-414. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maren Wellenreuther
- Evolutionary Ecology; Department of Biology; Lund University; SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Erik I. Svensson
- Evolutionary Ecology; Department of Biology; Lund University; SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Bengt Hansson
- Molecular Ecology; Department of Biology; Lund University; SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
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180
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Tomozawa M, Nunome M, Suzuki H, Ono H. Effect of founding events on coat colour polymorphism of Apodemus speciosus(Rodentia: Muridae) on the Izu Islands. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitsuo Nunome
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics; Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics; Graduate School of Environmental Science; Hokkaido University; North 10 West 5 Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0810 Japan
| | - Hirotake Ono
- Department of Biology; Keio University; Yokohama 223-8521 Japan
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181
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Kokko H, Griffith SC, Pryke SR. The hawk-dove game in a sexually reproducing species explains a colourful polymorphism of an endangered bird. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:rspb.2014.1794. [PMID: 25209943 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hawk-dove game famously introduced strategic game theory thinking into biology and forms the basis of arguments for limited aggression in animal populations. However, aggressive 'hawks' and peaceful 'doves', with strategies inherited in a discrete manner, have never been documented in a real animal population. Thus, the applicability of game-theoretic arguments to real populations might be contested. Here, we show that the head-colour polymorphism of red and black Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae) provides a real-life example. The aggressive red morph is behaviourally dominant and successfully invades black populations, but when red 'hawks' become too common, their fitness is severely compromised (via decreased parental ability). We also investigate the effects of real-life deviations, particularly sexual reproduction, from the simple original game, which assumed asexual reproduction. A protected polymorphism requires mate choice to be sufficiently assortative. Assortative mating is adaptive for individuals because of genetic incompatibilities affecting hybrid offspring fitness, but by allowing red 'hawks' to persist, it also leads to significantly reduced population sizes. Because reductions in male contributions to parental care are generally known to lead to lower population productivity in birds, we expect zero-sum competition to often have wide ranging population consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kokko
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Division of Ecology, Evolution and Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Institute for Advanced Study, Wallotstrasse 19, 14193 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sarah R Pryke
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Division of Ecology, Evolution and Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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182
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Kristensen DL, Erikstad KE, Reiertsen TK, Moum T. Differential breeding investment in bridled and non-bridled common guillemots (Uria aalge): morph of the partner matters. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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183
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Ajuria Ibarra H, Reader T. Female-limited colour polymorphism in the crab spiderSynema globosum(Araneae: Thomisidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ajuria Ibarra
- School of Life Sciences; University Park; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Tom Reader
- School of Life Sciences; University Park; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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184
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Amna T, Park KM, Cho IK, Choi TJ, Lee SS, Seo KS, Hwang I. Substantial Effect of Melanin Influencing Factors on In vitro Melanogenesis in Muzzle Melanocytes of Differently Colored Hanwoo. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 25:1029-37. [PMID: 25049660 PMCID: PMC4092982 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2011.11287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), nitric oxide (NO) and L-cysteine on melanin production and expression of related genes MC1R, Tyr, Tyrp-1 and Tyrp-2 in muzzle melanocytes of differently colored three native Hanwoo cattle. Muzzle samples were taken from black, brindle and brown Hanwoo and purified melanocytes were cultured with α-MSH, nitric oxide and L-cysteine at 100 nM, 50 µM and 0.07 mg/ml of media respectively. The amounts of total melanin, eumelanin and mRNA expression at Tyr, Tyrp-1, Tyrp-2 and MC1R levels were quantified. α-MSH and nitric oxide significantly increased (p<0.05) the amount of total melanin in black and brindle whereas eumelanin production in brown Hanwoo muzzle melanocytes. On the contrary, L-cysteine greatly (p<0.05) depressed the eumelanin production in black color but increased in brown. Simultaneously, up regulation of Tyr by nitric oxide and α-MSH and down regulation of Tyr, Tyrp-2 and MC1R genes by L-cysteine were observed in muzzle melanocytes of all three phenotypes. The results of this study revealed nitric oxide and α-MSH contribute hyper-pigmentation by enhancing eumelanogenesis whereas L-cysteine contributes to pheomelanin production in different colored Hanwoo muzzle melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touseef Amna
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Nambu University, Gwangju 506-706, Korea
| | - Kyoung Mi Park
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Nambu University, Gwangju 506-706, Korea
| | - In-Kyung Cho
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Nambu University, Gwangju 506-706, Korea
| | - Tae Jeong Choi
- National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan 330-801, Korea
| | - Seung Soo Lee
- National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan 330-801, Korea
| | - Kang-Seok Seo
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Suncheon National University, Suncheon, 540-742, Korea
| | - Inho Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Nambu University, Gwangju 506-706, Korea
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185
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Preference for male traits differ in two female morphs of the tree lizard, Urosaurus ornatus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101515. [PMID: 25033282 PMCID: PMC4102484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-random female mating preferences may contribute to the maintenance of phenotypic variation in color polymorphic species. However, the effect of female preference depends on the types of male traits used as signals by receptive females. If preference signals derive from discrete male traits (i.e., morph-specific), female preferences may rapidly fix to a morph. However, female preference signals may also include condition-dependent male traits. In this scenario, female preference may differ depending on the social context (i.e., male morph availability). Male tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) exhibit a dewlap color polymorphism that covaries with mating behavior. Blue morph males are aggressive and defend territories, yellow males are less aggressive and defend smaller territories, and orange males are typically nomadic. Female U. ornatus are also polymorphic in dewlap color, but the covariation between dewlap color and female behavior is unknown. We performed an experiment to determine how female mate choice depends on the visual and chemical signals produced by males. We also tested whether female morphs differ in their preferences for these signals. Female preferences involved both male dewlap color and size of the ventral color patch. However, the female morphs responded to these signals differently and depended on the choice between the types of male morphs. Our experiment revealed that females may be capable of distinguishing among the male morphs using chemical signals alone. Yellow females exhibit preferences based on both chemical and visual signals, which may be a strategy to avoid ultra-dominant males. In contrast, orange females may prefer dominant males. We conclude that female U. ornatus morphs differ in mating behavior. Our findings also provide evidence for a chemical polymorphism among male lizards in femoral pore secretions.
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186
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Shen TJ, Kuo CC, Wang CF, Huang KW. Delimitation of a continuous morphological character with unknown prior membership: application of a finite mixture model to classify scapular setae of Abacarus panticis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2014; 63:361-375. [PMID: 24647799 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9787-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Unambiguous classification is a prerequisite for the study of polymorphism, but accurate delimitation of continuous morphological characters can be challenging. Finite mixture modeling is a rigorous and flexible approach for delimiting continuous variables with unknown prior membership, but its application to morphological studies remains limited. In this study, the lengths of scapular setae of the eriophyoid mite Abacarus panticis Keifer collected from 18 sites in Taiwan were used as an example to evaluate the eligibility of finite mixture models. We then tested the hypothesis that longer scapular setae can facilitate dispersal. Lastly, we investigate morphological variation in various seta morphs by geometric morphometric techniques. Finite mixture models can satisfactorily classify scapular setae of A. panticis into long and short seta morphs. Abacarus panticis of the long morph only occurred in five sites whereas the short seta morph existed in all study sites. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed a more elongated coxal area in individuals of long morph than in those of short morph. Because the short morph is more widespread in geographical distribution than the long morph, longer scapular setae seem unlikely a specialized adaptation for dispersal. Further studies should capitalize on the finite mixture model in the delimitation of continuous morphological characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jen Shen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Institute of Statistics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
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187
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Mishra G, Omkar. Phenotype-dependent mate choice in Propylea dissecta and its fitness consequences. J ETHOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-014-0405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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188
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Senar JC, Conroy MJ, Quesada J, Mateos-Gonzalez F. Selection based on the size of the black tie of the great tit may be reversed in urban habitats. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:2625-32. [PMID: 25077014 PMCID: PMC4113287 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A standard approach to model how selection shapes phenotypic traits is the analysis of capture–recapture data relating trait variation to survival. Divergent selection, however, has never been analyzed by the capture–recapture approach. Most reported examples of differences between urban and nonurban animals reflect behavioral plasticity rather than divergent selection. The aim of this paper was to use a capture–recapture approach to test the hypothesis that divergent selection can also drive local adaptation in urban habitats. We focused on the size of the black breast stripe (i.e., tie width) of the great tit (Parus major), a sexual ornament used in mate choice. Urban great tits display smaller tie sizes than forest birds. Because tie size is mostly genetically determined, it could potentially respond to selection. We analyzed capture/recapture data of male great tits in Barcelona city (N = 171) and in a nearby (7 km) forest (N = 324) from 1992 to 2008 using MARK. When modelling recapture rate, we found it to be strongly influenced by tie width, so that both for urban and forest habitats, birds with smaller ties were more trap-shy and more cautious than their larger tied counterparts. When modelling survival, we found that survival prospects in forest great tits increased the larger their tie width (i.e., directional positive selection), but the reverse was found for urban birds, with individuals displaying smaller ties showing higher survival (i.e., directional negative selection). As melanin-based tie size seems to be related to personality, and both are heritable, results may be explained by cautious personalities being favored in urban environments. More importantly, our results show that divergent selection can be an important mechanism in local adaptation to urban habitats and that capture–recapture is a powerful tool to test it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J Conroy
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Fernando Mateos-Gonzalez
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, University of Uppsala Uppsala, Sweden
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189
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Agouti signalling protein is an inverse agonist to the wildtype and agonist to the melanic variant of the melanocortin-1 receptor in the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). FEBS Lett 2014; 588:2335-43. [PMID: 24879893 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a key regulator of mammalian pigmentation. Melanism in the grey squirrel is associated with an eight amino acid deletion in the mutant melanocortin-1 receptor with 24 base pair deletion (MC1RΔ24) variant. We demonstrate that the MC1RΔ24 exhibits a higher basal activity than the wildtype MC1R (MC1R-wt). We demonstrate that agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is an inverse agonist to the MC1R-wt but is an agonist to the MC1RΔ24. We conclude that the deletion in the MC1RΔ24 leads to a receptor with a high basal activity which is further activated by ASIP. This is the first report of ASIP acting as an agonist to MC1R.
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190
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Green KK, Svensson EI, Bergsten J, Härdling R, Hansson B. The interplay between local ecology, divergent selection, and genetic drift in population divergence of a sexually antagonistic female trait. Evolution 2014; 68:1934-46. [PMID: 24635214 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genetically polymorphic species offer the possibility to study maintenance of genetic variation and the potential role for genetic drift in population divergence. Indirect inference of the selection regimes operating on polymorphic traits can be achieved by comparing population divergence in neutral genetic markers with population divergence in trait frequencies. Such an approach could further be combined with ecological data to better understand agents of selection. Here, we infer the selective regimes acting on a polymorphic mating trait in an insect group; the dorsal structures (either rough or smooth) of female diving beetles. Our recent work suggests that the rough structures have a sexually antagonistic function in reducing male mating attempts. For two species (Dytiscus lapponicus and Graphoderus zonatus), we could not reject genetic drift as an explanation for population divergence in morph frequencies, whereas for the third (Hygrotus impressopunctatus) we found that divergent selection pulls morph frequencies apart across populations. Furthermore, population morph frequencies in H. impressopunctatus were significantly related to local bioclimatic factors, providing an additional line of evidence for local adaptation in this species. These data, therefore, suggest that local ecological factors and sexual conflict interact over larger spatial scales to shape population divergence in the polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Karlsson Green
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden; Current Address: Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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191
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Chatelain M, Gasparini J, Jacquin L, Frantz A. The adaptive function of melanin-based plumage coloration to trace metals. Biol Lett 2014; 10:20140164. [PMID: 24671830 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trace metals produced by anthropogenic activities are of major importance in urban areas and might constitute a new evolutionary force selecting for the ability to cope with their deleterious effects. Interestingly, melanin pigments are known to bind metal ions, thereby potentially sequestering them in inert body parts such as coat and feathers, and facilitating body detoxification. Thus, a more melanic plumage or coat coloration could bring a selective advantage for animals living in polluted areas. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the link between melanin-based coloration and zinc and lead concentrations in feathers of urban feral pigeons, both at capture time and after one year of captivity in standardized conditions. Results show that differently coloured pigeons had similar metal concentrations at capture time. Metal concentrations strongly decreased after one year in standardized conditions, and more melanic pigeons had higher concentrations of zinc (but not lead) in their feathers. This suggests that more melanic pigeons have a higher ability to store some metals in their feathers compared with their paler counterparts, which could explain their higher success in urbanized areas. Overall, this work suggests that trace metal pollution may exert new selective forces favouring more melanic phenotypes in polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chatelain
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement, , Paris, France
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192
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Miyagi R, Terai Y. The diversity of male nuptial coloration leads to species diversity in Lake Victoria cichlids. Genes Genet Syst 2014; 88:145-53. [PMID: 24025243 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.88.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The amazing coloration shown by diverse cichlid fish not only fascinates aquarium keepers, but also receives great attention from biologists interested in speciation because of its recently-revealed role in their adaptive radiation in an African lake. We review the important role of coloration in the speciation and adaptive evolution of Lake Victoria cichlids, which have experienced adaptive radiation during a very short evolutionary period. Mature male cichlids display their colors during mate choice. The color of their skin reflects light, and the reflected light forms a color signal that is received by the visual system of females. The adaptive divergence of visual perceptions shapes and diverges colorations, to match the adapted visual perceptions. The divergence of visual perception and coloration indicates that the divergence of color signals causes reproductive isolation between species, and this process leads to speciation. Differences in color signals among coexisting species act to maintain reproductive isolation by preventing hybridization. Thus, the diversity of coloration has caused speciation and has maintained species diversity in Lake Victoria cichlids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryutaro Miyagi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University
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193
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McLean CA, Stuart-Fox D. Geographic variation in animal colour polymorphisms and its role in speciation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 89:860-73. [PMID: 24528520 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphic species, in which multiple variants coexist within a population, are often used as model systems in evolutionary biology. Recent research has been dominated by the hypothesis that polymorphism can be a precursor to speciation. To date, the majority of research regarding polymorphism and speciation has focused on whether polymorphism is maintained within a population or whether morphs within populations may diverge to form separate species (sympatric speciation); however, the geographical context of speciation in polymorphic systems is likely to be both diverse and complex. In this review, we draw attention to the geographic variation in morph composition and frequencies that characterises many, if not most polymorphic species. Recent theoretical and empirical developments suggest that such variation in the number, type and frequency of morphs present among populations can increase the probability of speciation. Thus, the geographical context of a polymorphism requires a greater research focus. Here, we review the prevalence, causes and evolutionary consequences of geographic variation in polymorphism in colour-polymorphic animal species. The prevalence and nature of geographic variation in polymorphism suggests that polymorphism may be a precursor to and facilitate speciation more commonly than appreciated previously. We argue that a better understanding of the processes generating geographic variation in polymorphism is vital to understanding how polymorphism can promote speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A McLean
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Victoria, 3053, Australia
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194
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Pellitteri-Rosa D, Martín J, López P, Bellati A, Sacchi R, Fasola M, Galeotti P. Chemical polymorphism in male femoral gland secretions matches polymorphic coloration in common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis). CHEMOECOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-014-0148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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195
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Hoffman JI, Krause ET, Lehmann K, Krüger O. MC1R genotype and plumage colouration in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata): population structure generates artefactual associations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86519. [PMID: 24489736 PMCID: PMC3906038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphisms at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene have been linked to coloration in many vertebrate species. However, the potentially confounding influence of population structure has rarely been controlled for. We explored the role of the MC1R in a model avian system by sequencing the coding region in 162 zebra finches comprising 79 wild type and 83 white individuals from five stocks. Allelic counts differed significantly between the two plumage morphs at multiple segregating sites, but these were mostly synonymous. To provide a control, the birds were genotyped at eight microsatellites and subjected to Bayesian cluster analysis, revealing two distinct groups. We therefore crossed wild type with white individuals and backcrossed the F1s with white birds. No significant associations were detected in the resulting offspring, suggesting that our original findings were a byproduct of genome-wide divergence. Our results are consistent with a previous study that found no association between MC1R polymorphism and plumage coloration in leaf warblers. They also contribute towards a growing body of evidence suggesting that care should be taken to quantify, and where necessary control for, population structure in association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph I. Hoffman
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - E. Tobias Krause
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrin Lehmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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196
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Lehtonen TK. Colour biases in territorial aggression in a Neotropical cichlid fish. Oecologia 2014; 175:85-93. [PMID: 24414236 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2879-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Discrete colour morphs have provided important insights into the evolution of phenotypic diversity. One of the mechanisms that can help to explain coexistence of ecologically similar colour morphs and incipient species is (colour) biased aggression, which has the potential to promote continued existence of the morphs in a frequency-dependent manner. I addressed colour biases in territorial aggression in a field-based study on a Neotropical cichlid fish species, Amphilophus sagittae, which has two ecologically indistinguishable colour morphs that mate assortatively. I found that A. sagittae, in particular females, were more aggressive towards models of their own colour than those mimicking colours of the other morph. Such a behavioural pattern should result in a selection regime that benefits the rarer morph, and hence could help explain how novel, rare phenotypes may avoid competitive exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topi K Lehtonen
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland,
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197
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Differential haemoparasite intensity between black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) morphs suggests an adaptive function for polymorphism. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81607. [PMID: 24391707 PMCID: PMC3876978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests that genes coding for melanin based colouration may have pleiotropic properties, in particular conveying raised immune function. Thus adaptive function of polymorphism may be associated with parasite resistance. The black sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus is a polymorphic raptor with two morphs. Over most of its range the light morph is commonest, however within the recently colonised Western Cape of South Africa the dark morph predominates. The species breeds in winter throughout South Africa, however unlike in the rest of the species' South African range, the Western Cape experiences a winter rainfall regime, where arthropod vectors which transmit haematozoan parasites may be more abundant. We hypothesise that the higher frequency of dark morph birds in this region may be due to their improved parasite resistance, which enables them to cope with higher parasite pressure. If so, we predict that dark morph black sparrowhawks would have lower parasite burdens than light morph birds. Within our population the prevalence of the two most common haematozoan parasites was high, with 72% of adults infected with Haemoproteus nisi and 59% of adults infected with Leucocytozoon toddi. We found no difference in prevalence for either parasite between adult morphs, or between chicks of different parental morphs. However, within adults infected with H. nisi, infection intensity was significantly higher in light morphs than dark morphs. This suggests that dark morphs have lower parasite loads than light morphs due to resistance rather than morph-specific habitat exploitation. Greater resistance to Haemoproteus parasites may therefore be one of the mechanisms through which dark morph black sparrowhawks have a selective advantage in this region and may explain why they are most common in our study area. In other regions, the cost to benefit ratio may be in favour of the light morph, where parasites are less abundant or virulent.
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198
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Emaresi G, Bize P, Altwegg R, Henry I, van den Brink V, Gasparini J, Roulin A. Melanin-specific life-history strategies. Am Nat 2013; 183:269-80. [PMID: 24464200 DOI: 10.1086/674444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of genetic variation is a long-standing issue because the adaptive value of life-history strategies associated with each genetic variant is usually unknown. However, evidence for the coexistence of alternative evolutionary fixed strategies at the population level remains scarce. Because in the tawny owl (Strix aluco) heritable melanin-based coloration shows different physiological and behavioral norms of reaction, we investigated whether coloration is associated with investment in maintenance and reproduction. Light melanic owls had lower adult survival compared to dark melanic conspecifics, and color variation was related to the trade-off between offspring number and quality. When we experimentally enlarged brood size, light melanic males produced more fledglings but in poorer condition, and they were less often recruited in the local breeding population than those of darker melanic conspecifics. Our results also suggest that dark melanic males allocate a constant effort to raise their brood independently of environmental conditions, whereas lighter melanic males finely adjust reproductive effort in relation to changes in environmental conditions. Color traits can therefore be associated with life-history strategies, and stochastic environmental perturbation can temporarily favor one phenotype over others. The existence of fixed strategies implies that some phenotypes can sometimes display a "maladapted" strategy. Long-term population monitoring is therefore vital for a full understanding of how different genotypes deal with trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Emaresi
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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199
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Ducrest AL, Ursenbacher S, Golay P, Monney JC, Mebert K, Roulin A, Dubey S. Pro-opiomelanocortin gene and melanin-based colour polymorphism in a reptile. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lyse Ducrest
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Building CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Ursenbacher
- Section of Conservation Biology; Department of Environmental Sciences; University of Basel; St Johanns-Vorstadt 10 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Philippe Golay
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Building CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Monney
- Karch (Centre de coordination pour la protection des amphibiens et des reptiles de Suisse); Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron 6; CH-2000 Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | - Konrad Mebert
- Siebeneichenstrasse 31; CH-5634 Merenschwand Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Building CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Building CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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200
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Janssen K, Mundy NI. Molecular population genetics of the melanic plumage polymorphism in Arctic skuas (Stercorarius parasiticus): evidence for divergent selection on plumage colour. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:4634-43. [PMID: 23980902 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) is a classic example of an avian plumage polymorphism, with variation in melanin-based ventral plumage coloration defining pale, intermediate and dark morphs in adults of both sexes. However, despite several decades of field research, there is an incomplete understanding of how the polymorphism in ventral plumage colour is maintained and the selective forces involved. Here, we investigate selection on a locus (MC1R) that is strongly associated with plumage colour variation in Arctic skuas using patterns of nucleotide variation and comparison to neutral loci (nuclear introns and mtDNA). We find that three linked nonsynonymous mutations in MC1R, including the single mutation described previously, are associated with plumage colour in the Arctic skua. The position of nonsynonymous mutations on a MC1R haplotype network implies that divergent selection drove the initial evolution of the colour morphs. Comparisons of F(ST)s of MC1R vs. nuclear introns among five skua populations differing in proportion of dark morphs along an approximate north-south cline reveal a signature of divergent selection on MC1R. In contrast, we find limited evidence for balancing selection on MC1R within populations, although the power is low. Our results provide strong evidence for both past and ongoing selection on MC1R, and, by implication, plumage colour in Arctic skuas. The results suggest that a fruitful avenue for future ecological studies will be analysis of selection on morphs in colonies at the extremes along the morph ratio cline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Janssen
- Department of Natural Sciences, Tromsø University Museum, Tromsø, N-9037, Norway
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