1
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Dobson JL, Pike TW, Gonzalez-Rodriguez J, Soulsbury CD. Identifying and locating carotenoids in supra-orbital combs of male black grouse (Lyurus tetrix) using Raman and transmission electron microscopy: A histological study using rehydrated tissue samples. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21652. [PMID: 37990765 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Colourful signals have long been implicated as indicators of individual quality in animals. Bare-skin signals are an understudied aspect of avian colouration compared with plumage studies, despite displaying rapid changes in size and colour in response to different environmental or physiological stressors. Even fewer studies have focused on the underlying histology of these structures and the importance this plays in the resulting skin colour. Using the Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), we identified the underlying structure of individual dermal spikes, which make up the red supra-orbital comb (a known integumentary signal of male quality), and highlight visual structural differences between combs of different sizes. In addition, we used Raman spectroscopy to indicate the presence of carotenoids within the tissue, something that had previously only been inferred through characteristic reflectance patterns. An increased understanding of the structural basis of colour of featherless parts of the skin opens up exciting new avenues for interpreting the information content of integumentary signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Dobson
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Brayford Pool, UK
| | - Thomas W Pike
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Brayford Pool, UK
| | - Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Brayford Pool, UK
| | - Carl D Soulsbury
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Brayford Pool, UK
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2
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Martínez‐Renau E, Ruiz‐Castellano C, Azcárate‐García M, Barón MD, Soler JJ. Coloration of spotless starling nestlings shows genetic and environmentally determined characteristics while begging for food. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Martínez‐Renau
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC) Almería Spain
| | - Cristina Ruiz‐Castellano
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC) Almería Spain
| | - Manuel Azcárate‐García
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC) Almería Spain
| | | | - Juan José Soler
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC) Almería Spain
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes Universidad de Granada Granada Spain
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3
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Multiple signals predict male mating success in the lek-mating lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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4
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Cantarero A, Mateo R, Camarero PR, Alonso D, Fernandez‐Eslava B, Alonso‐Alvarez C. Testing the shared‐pathway hypothesis in the carotenoid‐based coloration of red crossbills. Evolution 2020; 74:2348-2364. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.14073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cantarero
- Section of Ecology, Deparment of Biology University of Turku Turku 20014 Finland
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales ‐ CSIC C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 Madrid 28006 Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC ‐ UCLM ‐ JCCM) Ronda de Toledo 12 Ciudad Real 13005 Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC ‐ UCLM ‐ JCCM) Ronda de Toledo 12 Ciudad Real 13005 Spain
| | - Daniel Alonso
- Department of Ornithology Aranzadi Sciences Society Zorroagagaina 11, E‐20014 Donostia‐San Sebastián Spain
| | - Blanca Fernandez‐Eslava
- Department of Ornithology Aranzadi Sciences Society Zorroagagaina 11, E‐20014 Donostia‐San Sebastián Spain
| | - Carlos Alonso‐Alvarez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales ‐ CSIC C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 Madrid 28006 Spain
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5
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Harris S, Kervinen M, Lebigre C, Pike TW, Soulsbury CD. Full spectra coloration and condition-dependent signaling in a skin-based carotenoid sexual ornament. Behav Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Carotenoid-based traits commonly act as condition-dependent signals of quality to both males and females. Such colors are typically quantified using summary metrics (e.g., redness) derived by partitioning measured reflectance spectra into blocks. However, perceived coloration is a product of the whole spectrum. Recently, new methods have quantified a range of environmental factors and their impact on reflection data at narrow wavebands across the whole spectrum. Using this approach, we modeled the reflectance of red integumentary eye combs displayed by male black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) as a function of ornament size and variables related to male quality. We investigated the strength and direction of effect sizes of variables at each waveband. The strongest effect on the spectra came from eye comb size, with a negative effect in the red part of the spectrum and a positive effect in ultraviolet reflectance. Plasma carotenoid concentration and body mass were also related to reflectance variance in differing directions across the entire spectra. Comparisons of yearlings and adults showed that the effects were similar but stronger on adult reflectance spectra. These findings suggest that reflectance in different parts of the spectrum is indicative of differing components of quality. This method also allows a more accurate understanding of how biologically relevant variables may interact to produce perceived coloration and multicomponent signals and where the strongest biological effects are found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Harris
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, UK
| | - Matti Kervinen
- Finnish Wildlife Agency, Kiekkoti, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Christophe Lebigre
- IFREMER, Unité Sciences et Technologies Halieutiques, Centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | - Thomas W Pike
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, UK
| | - Carl D Soulsbury
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, UK
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6
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Grunst ML, Grunst AS, Pinxten R, Bervoets L, Eens M. Carotenoid- but not melanin-based plumage coloration is negatively related to metal exposure and proximity to the road in an urban songbird. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113473. [PMID: 31679871 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization is a global phenomenon that is increasingly exposing organisms to novel stressors. These novel stressors can affect diverse aspects of organismal function, including development of condition-dependent ornaments, which play critical roles in social and sexual selection. We investigated the relationship between metal pollution, proximity to roads, and carotenoid- and melanin-based plumage coloration in a common songbird, the great tit (Parus major). We studied populations located across a well-characterized metal pollution gradient and surrounded by roadway networks. Metal exposure and road-associated pollution could reduce carotenoid-based pigmentation by inducing oxidative stress or affecting habitat quality, but metals could also enhance melanin-based pigmentation, through effects on melanogenesis and testosterone concentrations. Using a large sample size (N > 500), we found that birds residing close to a point source for metals had reduced ultraviolet chroma, a component of carotenoid-based pigmentation. Moreover, birds with high feather metal concentrations had lower carotenoid chroma, hue, and ultraviolet chroma, with effects modified by age class. Birds residing closer to roads also had lower carotenoid chroma and hue. Melanin-based pigmentation showed high between-year repeatability, and no association with anthropogenic pollution. Results suggest that carotenoid-, but not melanin-, based pigmentation is negatively affected by multiple anthropogenic stressors. We are the first to demonstrate a negative association between roads and a plumage-based signaling trait, which could have important implications for sexual signaling dynamics in urban landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Grunst
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Andrea S Grunst
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rianne Pinxten
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Faculty of Social Sciences, Didactica Research Group, University of Antwerp, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Department of Biology, Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research Group, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marcel Eens
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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7
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Gould GM, Carter GG, Augustine JK. Divergent color signals from homologous unfeathered ornaments in two congeneric grouse. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:11833-11847. [PMID: 31695891 PMCID: PMC6822034 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Color-based visual signals are important aspects of communication throughout the animal kingdom. Individuals evaluate color to obtain information about age and condition and to behave accordingly. Birds display a variety of striking, conspicuous colors and make ideal subjects for the study of color signaling. While most studies of avian color focus on plumage, bare unfeathered body parts also display a wide range of color signals. Mate choice and intrasexual competitive interactions are easily observed in lekking grouse, which also signal with prominent unfeathered color patches. Most male grouse have one pair of colorful bare part ornaments (combs), and males of several species also have inflatable air sacs in their throat. Previous studies have mostly focused on comb color and size, but little is known about the signaling role of air sac color. We measured comb size and the color properties of combs and air sacs in the Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus and T. cupido, respectively), and investigated whether these properties varied with age and mass. We found that mass predicted color properties of air sacs and that age predicted comb size in the Greater Prairie-Chicken, suggesting that these ornaments indicate condition dependence. No conclusive relationships between color and age or size were detected in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Color properties of both ornaments differed between the two species. Further research is needed to determine mechanisms that link condition to color and whether the information advertised by color signals from these ornaments is intended for males, females, or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M. Gould
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Gerald G. Carter
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Jacqueline K. Augustine
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State University at LimaLimaOHUSA
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8
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Erritouni YR, Reinke BA, Calsbeek R. A novel body coloration phenotype in Anolis sagrei: Implications for physiology, fitness, and predation. PLoS One 2019; 13:e0209261. [PMID: 30596690 PMCID: PMC6312277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals, color signals that convey information about quality are often associated with costs linked to the expression of coloration and may therefore be honest signals of sender quality. Honest indicators are often seen in sexual signals that are used by males to advertise quality to females. Carotenoid and pterin pigments are responsible for yellow, orange, and red coloration in a variety of taxa, but can also serve important roles as antioxidants by reducing free radicals in the body. In this study, we test the effects of a novel full-bodied orange color phenotype of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, on mate choice, physiology, and survival. We found no evidence that lizards expressing the orange phenotype were preferred by females. Additionally, they did not differ in immune function, running endurance, or maximum sprint speed from lizards that did not express the novel phenotype. Pigment extractions revealed that orange body coloration resulted from pterin pigments and not carotenoids. Visual models suggest that the orange phenotype is less conspicuous to bird predators than the brown phenotype and may provide an adaptive explanation for the persistence of this trait. Given its small, yet positive effect on fitness, we expect the orange color phenotype to increase in frequency in subsequent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen R. Erritouni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Beth A. Reinke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Ryan Calsbeek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
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9
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Noguera JC, Metcalfe NB, Monaghan P. Postnatal nutrition influences male attractiveness and promotes plasticity in male mating preferences. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:102. [PMID: 29138966 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Poor early-life nutrition could reduce adult reproductive success by negatively affecting traits linked to sexual attractiveness such as song complexity. If so, this might favor strategic mate choice, allowing males with less complex songs to tailor their mating tactics to maximize the reproductive benefits. However, this possibility has been ignored in theoretical and empirical studies. By manipulating the micronutrient content of the diet (e.g., low or high) during the postnatal period of male zebra finches, we show for the first time (1) that males reared on a poor (low) micronutrient diet had less complex songs as adults; (2) that these males, in contrast to the high micronutrient diet group, were more selective in their mating strategies, discriminating against those females most likely to reduce their clutch size when paired with males having less complex songs; and (3) that by following different mating strategies, males reared on the contrasting diets obtained similar reproductive benefits. These results suggest that early-life dietary conditions can induce multiple and long-lasting effects on male and female reproductive traits. Moreover, the results seem to reflect a previously unreported case of adaptive plasticity in mate choice in response to a nutritionally mediated reduction in sexual attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C Noguera
- Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, Torre CACTI, Universidad de Vigo, As Lagoas Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Neil B Metcalfe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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10
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Rymešová D, Králová T, Promerová M, Bryja J, Tomášek O, Svobodová J, Šmilauer P, Šálek M, Albrecht T. Mate choice for major histocompatibility complex complementarity in a strictly monogamous bird, the grey partridge ( Perdix perdix). Front Zool 2017; 14:9. [PMID: 28239400 PMCID: PMC5312559 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual selection has been hypothesised as favouring mate choice resulting in production of viable offspring with genotypes providing high pathogen resistance. Specific pathogen recognition is mediated by genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoding proteins fundamental for adaptive immune response in jawed vertebrates. MHC genes may also play a role in odour-based individual recognition and mate choice, aimed at avoiding inbreeding. MHC genes are known to be involved in mate choice in a number of species, with ‘good genes’ (absolute criteria) and ‘complementary genes’ (self-referential criteria) being used to explain MHC-based mating. Here, we focus on the effect of morphological traits and variation and genetic similarity between individuals in MHC class IIB (MHCIIB) exon 2 on mating in a free-living population of a monogamous bird, the grey partridge. Results We found no evidence for absolute mate choice criteria as regards grey partridge MHCIIB genotypes, i.e., number and occurrence of amino acid variants, though red chroma of the spot behind eyes was positively associated with male pairing success. On the other hand, mate choice at MHCIIB was based on relative criteria as females preferentially paired with more dissimilar males having a lower number of shared amino acid variants. This observation supports the ‘inbreeding avoidance’ and ‘complementary genes’ hypotheses. Conclusions Our study provides one of the first pieces of evidence for MHC-based mate choice for genetic complementarity in a strictly monogamous bird. The statistical approach employed can be recommended for testing mating preferences in cases where availability of potential mates (recorded with an appropriate method such as radio-tracking) shows considerable temporal variation. Additional genetic analyses using neutral markers may detect whether MHC-based mate choice for complementarity emerges as a by-product of general inbreeding avoidance in grey partridges. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-017-0194-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rymešová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Králová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Promerová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef Bryja
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Tomášek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Svobodová
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šmilauer
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Šálek
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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11
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Viblanc VA, Dobson FS, Stier A, Schull Q, Saraux C, Gineste B, Pardonnet S, Kauffmann M, Robin JP, Bize P. Mutually honest? Physiological ‘qualities’ signalled by colour ornaments in monomorphic king penguins. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent A. Viblanc
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Lausanne CH-1015 Switzerland
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive; Equipe Ecologie Comportementale; UMR 5175 CNRS; 1919 route de Mende Montpellier 34293 France
| | - F. Stephen Dobson
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive; Equipe Ecologie Comportementale; UMR 5175 CNRS; 1919 route de Mende Montpellier 34293 France
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; 311 Funchess Hall Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - Antoine Stier
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Quentin Schull
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Claire Saraux
- IFREMER; UMR MARBEC; Avenue Jean Monnet BP 171 Sète Cedex 34203 France
| | - Benoit Gineste
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Sylvia Pardonnet
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Marion Kauffmann
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Jean-Patrice Robin
- Université de Strasbourg; IPHC; 23 rue Becquerel Strasbourg 67087 France
- CNRS; UMR 7178; Strasbourg 67087 France
| | - Pierre Bize
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Lausanne CH-1015 Switzerland
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Scotland UK
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12
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Carotenoids increase immunity and sex specifically affect color and redox homeostasis in a monochromatic seabird. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-1922-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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Blévin P, Tartu S, Angelier F, Leclaire S, Bustnes JO, Moe B, Herzke D, Gabrielsen GW, Chastel O. Integument colouration in relation to persistent organic pollutants and body condition in arctic breeding black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 470-471:248-254. [PMID: 24140695 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrates cannot synthetize carotenoids de novo but have to acquire them through their diet. In birds, carotenoids are responsible for the yellow to red colouration of many secondary sexual traits. They are also involved in physiological functions such as immunostimulation and immunoregulation. Consequently, carotenoid-based colouration is very often considered as a reliable signal for health and foraging abilities. Although a few studies have suggested that carotenoid-based coloured traits could be sensitive to environmental pollution such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination, the relationships between pollutants and colouration remain unclear. Here, we examined the relationships between the colouration of carotenoid-based integuments and individual POP levels in pre-laying female black-legged kittiwakes from very high latitudes. In this area, these arctic seabirds are exposed to high POPs contamination. Additionally, we investigated the relationships between colouration and body condition, a frequently used index of individual quality. We found a negative relationship between POP levels and several components of integument colouration: saturation of eye-ring, gapes and tongue, suggesting that POPs could disrupt colouration of labile integuments in female kittiwakes. In addition, we found that females in better body condition displayed more orange and brighter gapes and tongue than females in poor body condition. These results demonstrate that hue and brightness are sensitive to the current health and nutritional status of female kittiwakes. Overall, our study shows that carotenoid-based colour integuments can be affected by several environmental-driven variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Blévin
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), UPR 1934-CNRS, F-79360 France.
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), UPR 1934-CNRS, F-79360 France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), UPR 1934-CNRS, F-79360 France
| | - Sarah Leclaire
- Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, ENFA, UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique; CNRS), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA, Fram centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA, Fram centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, NILU, Fram centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), UPR 1934-CNRS, F-79360 France.
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14
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Yang C, Wang J, Fang Y, Sun YH. Is sexual ornamentation an honest signal of male quality in the Chinese grouse (Tetrastes sewerzowi)? PLoS One 2013; 8:e82972. [PMID: 24386132 PMCID: PMC3873284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the variation in sexual ornamentation of male Chinese grouse (Tetrastes sewerzowi) in the Gansu Province, China, seeking to identify factors involved in whether ornament size and brightness are honest signals of male quality. Compared to unmated males, mated males had significantly larger and redder combs and, although they did not have significantly larger territories, they defended them more vigorously. Mated males had significantly higher blood carotenoid and testosterone levels, significantly better body condition, and significantly lower parasite loads than unmated males. Our findings are thus consistent with the hypothesis that comb size and color are honest signals of better male quality in the grouse, mediated through lower parasite loads and/or higher testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. of China
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. of China
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. of China
| | - Yun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. of China
| | - Yue-Hua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. of China
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15
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Leitão AV, Monteiro AH, Mota PG. Ultraviolet reflectance influences female preference for colourful males in the European serin. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1623-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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16
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Martin M, Meylan S, Gomez D, Le Galliard JF. Ultraviolet and carotenoid-based coloration in the viviparous lizardZootoca vivipara(Squamata: Lacertidae) in relation to age, sex, and morphology. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Martin
- Laboratoire Ecologie & Evolution; Université Pierre et Marie Curie; CNRS UMR 7625; 7, quai Saint Bernard, case 237; 75005; Paris; France
| | | | - Doris Gomez
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle; Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité; CNRS UMR 7179; 1 avenue du petit château; 91800; Brunoy; France
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17
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Sternalski A, Mougeot F, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Bretagnolle V. Carotenoid-based coloration, condition, and immune responsiveness in the nestlings of a sexually dimorphic bird of prey. Physiol Biochem Zool 2012; 85:364-75. [PMID: 22705486 DOI: 10.1086/665981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In many birds, nestlings exhibit brightly colored traits that are pigmented by carotenoids. Carotenoids are diet limited and also serve important health-related physiological functions. The proximate mechanisms behind the expression of these carotenoid-pigmented traits are still poorly known, especially in nestlings with sexual size dimorphism. In these nestlings, intrabrood competition levels and growth strategies likely differ between sexes, and this may in turn influence carotenoid allocation rules. We used dietary carotenoid supplementation to test whether wild marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) nestlings were carotenoid limited and whether carotenoid allocation strategies varied between sexes, which differ in their size and growth strategies. When supplemented, nestlings used the supplemental carotenoids to increase their coloration independently of their sex. We showed that the condition dependence of the carotenoid level and the response to an immune challenge (phytohemagglutinin test) differed between sexes, possibly because sexual size dimorphism influences growth strategies and/or intrabrood competition levels and access to different types of food. In this species, which often feeds on mammals, a trade-off likely exists between food quantity (energy) and quality (carotenoid content). Finally, carotenoid-based coloration expressed in marsh harrier nestlings appeared to be indicative of immune responsiveness rather than condition, therefore potentially advertising to parents nestling quality or value rather than nutritional need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Sternalski
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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18
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DUGAS MATTHEWB. Cross-fostering reveals that among-brood differences in ornamental mouth coloration mostly reflect rearing conditions in nestling house sparrows. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2011.01852.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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STERNALSKI AUDREY, MOUGEOT FRANÇOIS, BRETAGNOLLE VINCENT. Carotenoid limitation and allocation priorities in asynchronous raptor nestlings. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2011.01773.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Integument coloration signals reproductive success, heterozygosity, and antioxidant levels in chick-rearing black-legged kittiwakes. Naturwissenschaften 2011; 98:773-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-011-0827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Egg testosterone affects wattle color and trait covariation in the ring-necked pheasant. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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22
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Butler MW, Toomey MB, McGraw KJ. How many color metrics do we need? Evaluating how different color-scoring procedures explain carotenoid pigment content in avian bare-part and plumage ornaments. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-1074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Bamford AJ, Monadjem A, Hardy ICW. Associations of Avian Facial Flushing and Skin Colouration with Agonistic Interaction Outcomes. Ethology 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2010.01834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Gladbach A, Gladbach DJ, Kempenaers B, Quillfeldt P. Female-specific colouration, carotenoids and reproductive investment in a dichromatic species, the upland goose Chloephaga picta leucoptera. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010; 64:1779-1789. [PMID: 20976290 PMCID: PMC2952766 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-0990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although studies on the evolution and function of female ornaments have become more numerous in the last years, the majority of these studies were carried out in cases where female ornaments were a smaller and duller version of the ornaments found in males. There are substantially fewer studies on species with female-specific ornaments. However, no study so far investigated the potential of female-specific colouration as a quality signal in birds with conventional sex roles. We studied female-specific ornamentation in a strongly sexually dichromatic species, the upland goose Chloephaga picta leucoptera, in two consecutive years. Male upland geese have white head and breast feathers and black legs, whereas females have reddish-brown head and breast feathers and conspicuous yellow-orange legs. We found that female-specific colouration in upland geese can reliably indicate different aspects of female phenotypic quality. Females with more orange coloured legs and more red-like head colours had higher clutch and egg volumes than females with a paler leg and head colouration, and a more reddish plumage colouration was related to a higher body condition. These relationships provide the theoretic possibility for males to assess female phenotypic quality on the basis of colouration. Furthermore, the females with a more orange-like tarsus colouration had higher plasma carotenoid levels. Both tarsus colouration and carotenoid concentrations of individual females were highly correlated across years, indicating that tarsus colour is a stable signal. Despite this correlation, small individual differences in plasma carotenoid concentrations between the two study years were related to differences in tarsus colouration. We thus show for the first time in a wild bird and under natural conditions that carotenoid-based integument colouration remains consistent between individuals in consecutive years and is also a dynamic trait reflecting individual changes in carotenoid levels. In this species, where pairs form life-long bonds, the honesty of the carotenoid-based integument colouration suggests that it may be a sexually selected female ornament that has evolved through male mate choice. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00265-010-0990-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Gladbach
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
| | - David Joachim Gladbach
- Agroecology, Department of Crop Science, University of Göttingen, Waldweg 26, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department Behavioural Ecology & Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, E. Gwinnerstrasse, 82329 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
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25
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MARTÍNEZ-PADILLA J, MOUGEOT F, WEBSTER LMI, PÉREZ-RODRÍGUEZ L, PIERTNEY SB. Testing the interactive effects of testosterone and parasites on carotenoid-based ornamentation in a wild bird. J Evol Biol 2010; 23:902-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.01956.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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26
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Mougeot F, Martínez-Padilla J, Bortolotti GR, Webster LMI, Piertney SB. Physiological stress links parasites to carotenoid-based colour signals. J Evol Biol 2010; 23:643-50. [PMID: 20074170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01926.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Mougeot F, Martínez-Padilla J, Blount JD, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Webster LMI, Piertney SB. Oxidative stress and the effect of parasites on a carotenoid-based ornament. J Exp Biol 2010; 213:400-7. [PMID: 20086124 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.037101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, the physiological condition whereby the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species overwhelms the capacity of antioxidant defences, causes damage to key bio-molecules. It has been implicated in many diseases, and is proposed as a reliable currency in the trade-off between individual health and ornamentation. Whether oxidative stress mediates the expression of carotenoid-based signals, which are among the commonest signals of many birds, fish and reptiles, remains controversial. In the present study, we explored interactions between parasites, oxidative stress and the carotenoid-based ornamentation of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. We tested whether removing nematode parasites influenced both oxidative balance (levels of oxidative damage and circulating antioxidant defences) and carotenoid-based ornamentation. At the treatment group level, parasite purging enhanced the size and colouration of ornaments but did not significantly affect circulating carotenoids, antioxidant defences or oxidative damage. However, relative changes in these traits among individuals indicated that males with a greater number of parasites prior to treatment (parasite purging) showed a greater increase in the levels of circulating carotenoids and antioxidants, and a greater decrease in oxidative damage, than those with initially fewer parasites. At the individual level, a greater increase in carotenoid pigmentation was associated with a greater reduction in oxidative damage. Therefore, an individual's ability to express a carotenoid-based ornament appeared to be linked to its current oxidative balance and susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our experimental results suggest that oxidative stress can mediate the impact of parasites on carotenoid-based signals, and we discuss possible mechanisms linking carotenoid-based ornaments to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mougeot
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Aridas, CSIC, General Segura 1, 04001 Almeria, Spain.
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28
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Mougeot F, Martínez-Padilla J, Webster LMI, Blount JD, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Piertney SB. Honest sexual signalling mediated by parasite and testosterone effects on oxidative balance. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:1093-100. [PMID: 19129122 PMCID: PMC2679075 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 11/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extravagant ornaments evolved to advertise their bearers' quality, the honesty of the signal being ensured by the cost paid to produce or maintain it. The oxidation handicap hypothesis (OHH) proposes that a main cost of testosterone-dependent ornamentation is oxidative stress, a condition whereby the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) overwhelms the capacity of antioxidant defences. ROS/RNS are unstable, very reactive by-products of normal metabolic processes that can cause extensive damage to key biomolecules (cellular proteins, lipids and DNA). Oxidative stress has been implicated in the aetiology of many diseases and could link ornamentation and genetic variation in fitness-related traits. We tested the OHH in a free-living bird, the red grouse. We show that elevated testosterone enhanced ornamentation and increased circulating antioxidant levels, but caused oxidative damage. Males with smaller ornaments suffered more oxidative damage than those with larger ornaments when forced to increase testosterone levels, consistent with a handicap mechanism. Parasites depleted antioxidant defences, caused oxidative damage and reduced ornament expression. Oxidative damage extent and the ability of males to increase antioxidant defences also explained the impacts of testosterone and parasites on ornamentation within treatment groups. Because oxidative stress is intimately linked to immune function, parasite resistance and fitness, it provides a reliable currency in the trade-off between individual health and ornamentation. The costs induced by oxidative stress can apply to a wide range of signals, which are testosterone-dependent or coloured by pigments with antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Mougeot
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Aridas, CSIC, c. General Segura 1, 04001 Almeria, Spain.
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29
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Thorogood R, Kilner RM, Karadaş F, Ewen JG. Spectral mouth colour of nestlings changes with carotenoid availability. Funct Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2008.01455.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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30
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Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental causes of variation in yellow skin pigmentation and serum carotenoids in Eurasian kestrel nestlings. Ecol Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-008-0503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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31
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Pérez-Rodríguez L, Viñuela J. Carotenoid-based bill and eye ring coloration as honest signals of condition: an experimental test in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa). THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2008; 95:821-30. [PMID: 18470503 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-008-0389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, s/n, E-13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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32
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Maney DL, Davis AK, Goode CT, Reid A, Showalter C. Carotenoid-Based Plumage Coloration Predicts Leukocyte Parameters during the Breeding Season in Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). Ethology 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2008.01476.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Juola FA, McGraw K, Dearborn DC. Carotenoids and throat pouch coloration in the great frigatebird (Fregata minor). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 149:370-7. [PMID: 18035568 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2007] [Revised: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoid pigments are a common source of red, orange, and yellow coloration in vertebrates. Animals cannot manufacture carotenoids and therefore must obtain them in their diet to produce carotenoid-based coloration. Male great frigatebirds (Fregata minor) display a bright red inflated gular pouch as part of their elaborate courtship display. The basis of this coloration until now has not been investigated. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we investigated the types and concentrations of carotenoids that great frigatebirds circulate in their plasma and whether male gular pouch coloration was carotenoid-based. Great frigatebird plasma collected during the breeding season contained three carotenoid pigments in dilute concentrations-tunaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin-with astaxanthin accounting for nearly 85% of the carotenoids present. Astaxanthin was the only carotenoid present in gular pouch tissue, but the concentration is the highest reported for any carotenoid-pigmented avian tissue. Throat pouch reflectance curves were measured with a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, revealing a complex pattern of one UV peak (approx. 360 nm), two absorption valleys (approx. 542 and 577 nm), followed by a plateau at approx 630 nm. The reflectance curve suggests a role for additional pigments, in particular hemoglobin, in the production of color in this ornament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans A Juola
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
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35
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MOUGEOT F, PÉREZ-RODRÍGUEZ L, MARTÍNEZ-PADILLA J, LECKIE F, REDPATH SM. Parasites, testosterone and honest carotenoid-based signalling of health. Funct Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2007.01302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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36
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Mougeot F. Ornamental comb colour predicts T-cell-mediated immunity in male red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. Naturwissenschaften 2007; 95:125-32. [PMID: 17898979 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-007-0303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2007] [Revised: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 08/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sexual ornaments might reliably indicate the ability to cope with parasites and diseases, and a better ability to mount a primary inflammatory response to a novel challenge. Carotenoid-based ornaments are amongst the commonest sexual signals of birds and often influence mate choice. Because carotenoids are immuno-stimulants, signallers may trade-off allocating these to ornamental colouration or using them for immune responses, so carotenoid-based ornaments might be particularly useful as honest indicators of immuno-compentence. Tetraonid birds, such as the red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus, exhibit supra-orbital yellow-red combs, a conspicuous ornament which functions in intra- and inter-sexual selection. The colour of combs is due to epidermal pigmentation by carotenoids, while their size is testosterone-dependent. In this study, I investigated whether comb characteristics, and in particular, comb colour, indicated immuno-competence in free-living male red grouse. I assessed T-cell-mediated immunity using a standardised challenge with phytohaemagglutinin. Red grouse combs reflect in the red and in the ultraviolet spectrum of light, which is not visible to humans but that grouse most likely see, so I measured comb colour across the whole bird visible spectrum (300-700 nm) using a reflectance spectrometer. I found that males with bigger and redder combs, but with less ultraviolet reflectance, had greater T-cell-mediated immune response. Comb colour predicted T-cell-mediated immune response better than comb size, indicating that the carotenoid-based colouration of this ornament might reliably signal this aspect of male quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Mougeot
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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