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Terrones-Ramírez AK, Robles-Bello SM, Vázquez-López M, Ramírez-Barrera SM, Zamudio-Beltrán LE, López López A, Arizmendi MDC, Durán-Suárez del Real AP, Eguiarte LE, Hernández-Baños BE. Recent genetic, phenetic and ecological divergence across the Mesoamerican highlands: a study case with Diglossa baritula (Aves: Thraupidae). PeerJ 2024; 12:e16797. [PMID: 38529306 PMCID: PMC10962342 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The topographical, geological, climatic and biodiversity complexity of Mesoamerica has made it a primary research focus. The Mesoamerican highlands is a region with particularly high species richness and within-species variation. The Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa baritula (Wagler, 1832), is a species endemic to the Mesoamerican highlands, with three allopatric subspecies currently recognized. To characterize divergence within this species, we integrated genomics, morphology, coloration and ecological niche modeling approaches, obtained from sampling individuals across the entire geographic distribution of the species. Our results revealed a clear genomic divergence between the populations to the east versus the west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. In contrast to the genomic results, morphology and coloration analyses showed intermediate levels of differentiation, indicating that population groups within D. baritula have probably been under similar selective pressures. Our morphology results indicated that the only sexually dimorphic morphological variable is the wing chord, with males having a longer wing chord than females. Finally, ecological data indicated that there are differences in ecological niche within D. baritula. Our data suggest that D. baritula could contain two or more incipient species at the intermediate phase of the speciation continuum. These results highlight the importance of the geographical barrier of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Pleistocene climatic events in driving isolation and population divergence in D. baritula. The present investigation illustrates the speciation potential of the D. baritula complex and the capacity of Mesoamerican highlands to create cryptic biodiversity and endemism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alondra K. Terrones-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
| | - Sahid M. Robles-Bello
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Melisa Vázquez-López
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Sandra M. Ramírez-Barrera
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Luz E. Zamudio-Beltrán
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Anuar López López
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Maria del Coro Arizmendi
- Laboratorio de Ecología, UBIPRO Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Ana Paula Durán-Suárez del Real
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Luis E. Eguiarte
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Blanca E. Hernández-Baños
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, CdMx, Mexico
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2
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Slater TS, Ito S, Wakamatsu K, Zhang F, Sjövall P, Jarenmark M, Lindgren J, McNamara ME. Taphonomic experiments reveal authentic molecular signals for fossil melanins and verify preservation of phaeomelanin in fossils. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5651. [PMID: 37803012 PMCID: PMC10558522 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin pigments play a critical role in physiological processes and shaping animal behaviour. Fossil melanin is a unique resource for understanding the functional evolution of melanin but the impact of fossilisation on molecular signatures for eumelanin and, especially, phaeomelanin is not fully understood. Here we present a model for the chemical taphonomy of fossil eumelanin and phaeomelanin based on thermal maturation experiments using feathers from extant birds. Our results reveal which molecular signatures are authentic signals for thermally matured eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which signatures are artefacts derived from the maturation of non-melanin molecules, and how these chemical data are impacted by sample preparation. Our model correctly predicts the molecular composition of eumelanins in diverse vertebrate fossils from the Miocene and Cretaceous and, critically, identifies direct molecular evidence for phaeomelanin in these fossils. This taphonomic framework adds to the geochemical toolbox that underpins reconstructions of melanin evolution and of melanin-based coloration in fossil vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Slater
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fucheng Zhang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong, China
| | - Peter Sjövall
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production, 501 15, Borås, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Lindgren
- Department of Geology, Lund University, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria E McNamara
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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3
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Galván I. Pigment molecular composition reveals significant information for visual communication. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology National Museum of Natural Sciences Madrid Spain
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4
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Lee C, Fu Y, Yeh C, Yeung CKL, Hung H, Yao C, Shaner PL, Li S. Morphological variations in a widely distributed Eastern Asian passerine cannot be consistently explained by ecogeographic rules. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15249-15260. [PMID: 34765175 PMCID: PMC8571641 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecogeographic rules that describe quantitative relationships between morphologies and climate might help us predict how morphometrics of animals was shaped by local temperature or humidity. Although the ecogeographic rules had been widely tested in animals of Europe and North America, they had not been fully validated for species in regions that are less studied. Here, we investigate the morphometric variation of a widely distributed East Asian passerine, the vinous-throated parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana), to test whether its morphological variation conforms to the prediction of Bergmann's rule, Allen's rules, and Gloger's rule. We at first described the climatic niche of S. webbiana from occurrence records (n = 7838) and specimen records (n = 290). The results of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) suggested that the plumage coloration of these parrotbills was darker in wetter/warmer environments following Gloger's rule. However, their appendage size (culmen length, beak volume, tarsi length) was larger in colder environments, the opposite of the predictions of Allen's rule. Similarly, their body size (wing length) was larger in warmer environments, the opposite of the predictions of Bergmann's rule. Such disconformity to both Bergmann's rule and Allen's rule suggests that the evolution of morphological variations is likely governed by multiple selection forces rather than dominated by thermoregulation. Our results suggest that these ecogeographic rules should be validated prior to forecasting biological responses to climate change especially for species in less-studied regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun‐Cheng Lee
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yuchen Fu
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chia‐fen Yeh
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Hsin‐yi Hung
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chiou‐Ju Yao
- Department of BiologyNational Museum of Natural ScienceTaichungTaiwan
| | | | - Shou‐Hsien Li
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
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Price-Waldman R, Stoddard MC. Avian Coloration Genetics: Recent Advances and Emerging Questions. J Hered 2021; 112:395-416. [PMID: 34002228 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The colorful phenotypes of birds have long provided rich source material for evolutionary biologists. Avian plumage, beaks, skin, and eggs-which exhibit a stunning range of cryptic and conspicuous forms-inspired early work on adaptive coloration. More recently, avian color has fueled discoveries on the physiological, developmental, and-increasingly-genetic mechanisms responsible for phenotypic variation. The relative ease with which avian color traits can be quantified has made birds an attractive system for uncovering links between phenotype and genotype. Accordingly, the field of avian coloration genetics is burgeoning. In this review, we highlight recent advances and emerging questions associated with the genetic underpinnings of bird color. We start by describing breakthroughs related to 2 pigment classes: carotenoids that produce red, yellow, and orange in most birds and psittacofulvins that produce similar colors in parrots. We then discuss structural colors, which are produced by the interaction of light with nanoscale materials and greatly extend the plumage palette. Structural color genetics remain understudied-but this paradigm is changing. We next explore how colors that arise from interactions among pigmentary and structural mechanisms may be controlled by genes that are co-expressed or co-regulated. We also identify opportunities to investigate genes mediating within-feather micropatterning and the coloration of bare parts and eggs. We conclude by spotlighting 2 research areas-mechanistic links between color vision and color production, and speciation-that have been invigorated by genetic insights, a trend likely to continue as new genomic approaches are applied to non-model species.
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6
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Decoding the Evolution of Melanin in Vertebrates. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:430-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Marcondes RS, Nations JA, Seeholzer GF, Brumfield RT. Rethinking Gloger's Rule: Climate, Light Environments, and Color in a Large Family of Tropical Birds (Furnariidae). Am Nat 2021; 197:592-606. [PMID: 33908827 DOI: 10.1086/713386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractEcogeographic rules provide a framework within which to test evolutionary hypotheses of adaptation. Gloger's rule predicts that endothermic animals should have darker colors in warm/rainy climates. This rule also predicts that animals should be more rufous in warm/dry climates, the so-called complex Gloger's rule. Empirical studies frequently demonstrate that animals are darker in cool/wet climates rather than in warm/wet climates. Furthermore, sensory ecology predicts that, to enhance crypsis, animals should be darker in darker light environments. We aimed to disentangle the effects of climate and light environments on plumage color in the large Neotropical passerine family Furnariidae. We found that birds in cooler and rainier climates had darker plumage even after controlling for habitat type. Birds in darker habitats had darker plumage even after controlling for climate. The effects of temperature and precipitation interact so that the negative effect of precipitation on brightness is strongest in cool temperatures. Finally, birds tended to be more rufous in warm/dry habitats but also, surprisingly, in cool/wet locales. We suggest that Gloger's rule results from complementary selective pressures arising from myriad ecological factors, including crypsis, thermoregulation, parasite deterrence, and resistance to feather abrasion.
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8
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Transcriptome reveals genes involving in black skin color formation of ducks. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:173-182. [PMID: 33528733 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-01026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin color is colorful for birds, which has been reported to be associated with multi-biological functions, such as crypsis, camouflage, social signaling and mate choice, but little is known about its underlying molecular mechanism. OBJECTIVE Studies on the major genes affecting the black skin color of ducks. METHODS For this purpose, Silver ammonia staining and RNA-seq analysis were carried out to identify the differences in tissue morphology and gene expressions between black and yellow skin ducks. RESULTS The silver ammonia dyes slice results showed that in the development of black duck, the content of melanin in black skin gradually increased and then decreased, and the content of melanin in yellow and black skin was significantly different. Through transcriptome, a total of 102 and 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in beak skin and web skin, respectively. These DEGs were enriched in melanin biosynthesis and play a critical role in melanogenesis pathway. Co-expression analysis showed that EDNRB2 was the only gene associated with black skin color in DEGs, which was also consistent with qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS The melanin synthesis pathway dominated by EDNRB2 up-regulated the amount of melanin synthesis, leading to the formation of black skin in ducks.
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Grabolus D, Wacławik P, Zatoń-Dobrowolska M. Differences in melanin type and content among color variations in American mink (Neovison vison). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2019-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Coat colour is one of the most important qualitative traits of fur animals. Determining melanin pigments forming the basics of visible coat colour may contribute to a better understanding of the process of creating different coat colour variations in fur-bearing animals. This study aimed to (i) isolate pigment cells from the hair of American mink of 11 colour variations (standard brown, silverblue, palomino, black, wild type, sapphire, black cross, pearl, palomino cross, glow, and amber) using acid and alkali; and (ii) characterise the melanin pigments obtained. The purified pigment cells were observed under a light microscope and verified by spectrophotometry scanning and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The method allowed for obtaining pure melanin specimens. Using acid and alkali to extract eumelanosomes did not affect their shape and structure; it also allowed for obtaining pheomelanin from the hair. The results have proven that the hair colour of the American mink is based on all types of melanin, and that its variations differ in terms of how much eumelanin and pheomelanin the hair contains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Grabolus
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
| | - Patrycja Wacławik
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zatoń-Dobrowolska
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
- Katedra Genetyki, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, Wrocław, Polska 51-631, Poland
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10
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Minias P, Janiszewski T. Evolution of a conspicuous melanin-based ornament in gulls Laridae. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:682-693. [PMID: 32050039 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanin- and carotenoid-based ornaments often signal different aspects of individual quality or similar components of quality under different environmental conditions and, thus, they may become evolutionarily integrated into a composite sexual trait. On the other hand, functionally and developmentally different characters (e.g. coloration characters of different developmental origin) are more likely to evolve independently from each other than more similar traits. Here, we examined evolutionary correlations between the occurrence of a conspicuous melanin-based ornament (hood) and carotenoid-based bare-part ornaments within gull family. We also aimed to identify major ecological, life-history and biogeographical predictors of hood occurrence and reconstruct evolutionary history of this ornament. We found that hood occurrence was associated with red or dark coloration of unfeathered traits (bill and legs), whereas combinations of hood with yellow carotenoid-based coloration of integument were evolutionarily avoided. Also, hood occurrence correlated negatively with the occurrence of other melanin-based plumage character (mantle). Breeding latitude and habitat were identified as major predictors of hood occurrence in gulls, as hoods were recorded more frequently in low-latitude and inland (rather than marine) species. Finally, our analysis provided support for evolutionary lability in hood occurrence, with a dominance of transitions towards hood loss in the evolutionary history of gulls. The results of our study provide one of the first evidence for a correlated evolution of melanin- and carotenoid-based ornaments in an avian lineage, which supports evolutionary modularity of developmentally and functionally different coloration traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Tomasz Janiszewski
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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11
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Roy A, Pittman M, Saitta ET, Kaye TG, Xu X. Recent advances in amniote palaeocolour reconstruction and a framework for future research. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:22-50. [PMID: 31538399 PMCID: PMC7004074 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Preserved melanin pigments have been discovered in fossilised integumentary appendages of several amniote lineages (fishes, frogs, snakes, marine reptiles, non-avialan dinosaurs, birds, and mammals) excavated from lagerstätten across the globe. Melanisation is a leading factor in organic integument preservation in these fossils. Melanin in extant vertebrates is typically stored in rod- to sphere-shaped, lysosome-derived, membrane-bound vesicles called melanosomes. Black, dark brown, and grey colours are produced by eumelanin, and reddish-brown colours are produced by phaeomelanin. Specific morphotypes and nanostructural arrangements of melanosomes and their relation to the keratin matrix in integumentary appendages create the so-called 'structural colours'. Reconstruction of colour patterns in ancient animals has opened an exciting new avenue for studying their life, behaviour and ecology. Modern relationships between the shape, arrangement, and size of avian melanosomes, melanin chemistry, and feather colour have been applied to reconstruct the hues and colour patterns of isolated feathers and plumages of the dinosaurs Anchiornis, Sinosauropteryx, and Microraptor in seminal papers that initiated the field of palaeocolour reconstruction. Since then, further research has identified countershading camouflage patterns, and informed subsequent predictions on the ecology and behaviour of these extinct animals. However, palaeocolour reconstruction remains a nascent field, and current approaches have considerable potential for further refinement, standardisation, and expansion. This includes detailed study of non-melanic pigments that might be preserved in fossilised integuments. A common issue among existing palaeocolour studies is the lack of contextualisation of different lines of evidence and the wide variety of techniques currently employed. To that end, this review focused on fossil amniotes: (i) produces an overarching framework that appropriately reconstructs palaeocolour by accounting for the chemical signatures of various pigments, morphology and local arrangement of pigment-bearing vesicles, pigment concentration, macroscopic colour patterns, and taphonomy; (ii) provides background context for the evolution of colour-producing mechanisms; and (iii) encourages future efforts in palaeocolour reconstructions particularly of less-studied groups such as non-dinosaur archosaurs and non-archosaur amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Roy
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Department of Earth SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
| | - Michael Pittman
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Department of Earth SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
| | - Evan T. Saitta
- Integrative Research Center, Section of Earth SciencesField Museum of Natural History1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, ChicagoIL60605U.S.A.
| | - Thomas G. Kaye
- Foundation for Scientific Advancement7023 Alhambra Drive, Sierra VistaAZ85650U.S.A.
| | - Xing Xu
- Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and PaleoanthropologyChinese Academy of Sciences142 Xizhimenwai Street.Beijing100044China
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12
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Neves ACDO, Galván I, Van den Abeele D. Impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in parrots. J Exp Biol 2020:jeb.225912. [PMID: 34005594 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parrots and allies (Order Psittaciformes) have evolved an exclusive capacity to synthesize polyene pigments called psittacofulvins at feather follicles, which allows them to produce a striking diversity of pigmentation phenotypes. Melanins are polymers constituting the most abundant pigments in animals, and the sulphurated form (pheomelanin) produces colors that are similar to those produced by psittacofulvins. However, the differential contribution of these pigments to psittaciform phenotypic diversity has not been investigated. Given the color redundancy, and physiological limitations associated to pheomelanin synthesis, we hypothesized that the latter would be avoided by psittaciform birds. Here we test this by using Raman spectroscopy to identify pigments in feathers exhibiting colors suspicious of being produced by pheomelanin (i.e., dull red, yellow and grey- and green-brownish) in 26 species from the three main lineages of Psittaciformes. We detected the non-sulphurated melanin form (eumelanin) in black, grey and brown plumage patches, and psittacofulvins in red, yellow and green patches, but no evidence of pheomelanin. As natural melanins are assumed to be composed of eumelanin and pheomelanin in varying ratios, our results represent the first report of impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in animals. Given that psittaciforms also avoid the uptake of circulating carotenoid pigments, these birds seem to have evolved a capacity to avoid functional redundancy between pigments, likely by regulating follicular gene expression. Ours study provides the first vibrational characterization of different psittacofulvin-based colors and thus helps to determine the relative polyene chain length in these pigments, which is related to their antireductant protection activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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13
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Mora-Castro R, Hernández-Jiménez M, Alfaro-Córdoba M, Avendano E, Hanson-Snortum P. Spectral measure of color variation of black-orange-black (BOB) pattern in small parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a statistical approach. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218061. [PMID: 31647807 PMCID: PMC6812806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Small parasitoid wasps are abundant and extremely diverse, yet their colors have not been analyzed. One of the more common color patterns observed in these wasps is a black-orange-black pattern, which is especially common among neotropical species of Scelionidae ranging in size from 2 to 10 mm. Due to the methodological challenges involved in extracting and analyzing pigments from small-sized insects, other methods for examining colors need to be explored. In this work, we propose the use of microspectrophotometry in combination with statistical analysis methods in order to 8 study the spectral properties in such cases. We examined 8 scelionid genera and 1 genus from a distantly related family (Evaniidae), all showing the black-orange-black pattern. Functional Data Analysis and statistical analysis of Euclidean distances for color components were applied to study color differences both between and within genera. The Functional Data Analysis proved to be a better method for treating the reflectance data because it gave a better representation of the physical information. Also, the reflectance spectra were separated into spectral color component contributions and each component was labeled according to its own dominant wavelength at the maximum of the spectrum: Red, Green and Blue. When comparing spectral components curves, the spectral blue components of the orange and black colors, independent of the genera being compared, result almost identical, suggesting that there is a common compound for the pigments. The results also suggest that cuticle from different genera, but with the same color might have a similar chemical composition. This is the first time that the black and orange colors in small parasitoid wasps has been analyzed and our results provide a basis for future research on the color patterns of an abundant but neglected group of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mora-Castro
- Centro de Investigación en Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- * E-mail:
| | - Marcela Hernández-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Física, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marcela Alfaro-Córdoba
- Centro de Investigación en Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Estadística, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Esteban Avendano
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Física, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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14
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Galván I, Jorge A, Nielsen JT, Møller AP. Pheomelanin synthesis varies with protein food abundance in developing goshawks. J Comp Physiol B 2019; 189:441-450. [PMID: 31104080 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-019-01222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of the amino acid cysteine in lysosomes produces toxic substances, which are avoided by a gene (CTNS) coding for a transporter that pumps cystine out of lysosomes. Melanosomes are lysosome-related organelles that synthesize melanins, the most widespread pigments in animals. The synthesis of the orange melanin, termed pheomelanin, depends on cysteine levels because the sulfhydryl group is used to form the pigment. Pheomelanin synthesis may, therefore, be affected by cysteine homeostasis, although this has never been explored in a natural system. As diet is an important source of cysteine, here we indirectly tested for such an effect by searching for an association between food abundance and pheomelanin content of feathers in a wild population of Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis. As predicted on the basis that CTNS expression may inhibit pheomelanin synthesis and increase with food abundance as previously found in other strictly carnivorous birds, we found that the feather pheomelanin content in nestling goshawks, but not in adults, decreased as the abundance of prey available to them increased. In contrast, variation in the feather content of the non-sulphurated melanin form (eumelanin) was only explained by sex in both nestlings and adults. We also found that the feather pheomelanin content of nestlings was negatively related to that of their mothers, suggesting a relevant environmental influence on pheomelanin synthesis. Overall, our findings suggest that variation in pheomelanin synthesis may be a side effect of the maintenance of cysteine homeostasis. This may help explaining variability in the expression of pigmented phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Alberto Jorge
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Analíticas No Destructivas, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anders P Møller
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
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15
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Rodríguez‐Martínez S, Márquez R, Inácio Â, Galván I. Changes in melanocyte RNA and DNA methylation favour pheomelanin synthesis and may avoid systemic oxidative stress after dietary cysteine supplementation in birds. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:1030-1042. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Márquez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC Sevilla Spain
| | - Ângela Inácio
- Laboratório de GenéticaInstituto de Saúde AmbientalFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Ismael Galván
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC Sevilla Spain
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16
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Delhey K. A review of Gloger's rule, an ecogeographical rule of colour: definitions, interpretations and evidence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1294-1316. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaspar Delhey
- School of Biological SciencesMonash University 25 Rainforest Walk, 3800 Clayton Victoria Australia
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17
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Rodríguez-Herrera B, Rodríguez P, Watson W, McCracken GF, Medellín RA, Galván I. Sexual dichromatism and condition-dependence in the skin of a bat. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulina Rodríguez
- School of Biology, University of Costa Rica, 2060 San José, Costa Rica
| | - Whitney Watson
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gary F McCracken
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Medellín
- Institute of Ecology, Autonomous National University of Mexico, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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18
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Galván I, Rodríguez-Martínez S. A Negative Association between Melanin-Based Plumage Color Heterogeneity and Intensity in Birds. Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:266-273. [PMID: 30821609 DOI: 10.1086/702720] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Even though plumage diversity is one of the most diverse phenotypic traits in nature, the reasons why some species exhibit more distinctive colors than others are poorly known. In the case of melanins, the most abundant pigments in birds, different chemical forms lead to different plumage colors and different amounts of those forms lead to different color intensities. However, the synthesis of some melanin forms is more physiologically limited than others. We hypothesize that an evolutionary solution to this scenario may consist in a negative association between melanin-based color heterogeneity and intensity. Here we confirm this prediction after analyzing the diversity and expression level of melanin-based plumage colors in 96 species of birds breeding in the Iberian Peninsula. After controlling for phylogenetic effects, the intensity of the plumage colors of birds decreased with the number of different colors, suggesting that the physiological mechanism of melanin synthesis does not favor the production of both a heterogeneity of melanin forms and large amounts of these forms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of bird phenotypic diversity.
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19
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Arai E, Hasegawa M, Sato M, Sakai H, Ito S, Wakamatsu K. Eumelanin levels in rufous feathers explain plasma testosterone levels and survival in swallows. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2755-2764. [PMID: 30891214 PMCID: PMC6405925 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment-based plumage coloration and its physiological properties have attracted many researchers to explain the evolution of such ornamental traits. These studies, however, assume the functional importance of the predominant pigment while ignoring that of other minor pigments, and few studies have focused on the composition of these pigments. Using the pheomelanin-based plumage in two swallow species, we studied the allocation of two pigments (the predominant pigment, pheomelanin, and the minor pigment, eumelanin) in relation to physiological properties and viability in populations under a natural and sexual selection. This is indispensable for studying the evolution of pheomelanin-based plumage coloration. Pheomelanin and eumelanin share the same pathway only during their initial stages of development, which can be a key to unravel the functional importance of pigment allocation and thus of plumage coloration. Using the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, a migratory species, we found that plasma testosterone levels increased with increasing the proportion of eumelanin pigments compared with pheomelanin pigments, but not with the amount of pheomelanin pigments, during the mating period. In the Pacific swallow Hirundo tahitica, a nonmigratory congener, we found that, during severe winter weathers, survivors had a proportionally smaller amount of eumelanin pigments compared with pheomelanin pigments than that in nonsurvivors, but no detectable difference was found in the pheomelanin pigmentation itself. These results indicated that a minor pigment, eumelanin, matters at least in some physiological measures and viability. Because the major pigment, pheomelanin, has its own physiological properties, a combination of major and minor pigments provides multiple information to the signal receivers, potentially enhancing the signaling function of pheomelanic coloration and its diversification across habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Arai
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of BiosystemsSokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)Hayama‐machiKanagawaJapan
| | - Masaru Hasegawa
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of BiosystemsSokendai (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)Hayama‐machiKanagawaJapan
| | - Megumi Sato
- Department of Biology, School of DentistryNihon UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Hidetsugu Sakai
- Department of Biology, School of DentistryNihon UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Department of ChemistryFujita Health University School of Health SciencesToyoakeAichiJapan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of ChemistryFujita Health University School of Health SciencesToyoakeAichiJapan
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20
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Galván I, Murtada K, Jorge A, Ríos Á, Zougagh M. Unique evolution of vitamin A as an external pigment in tropical starlings. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.205229. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.205229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pigments are largely responsible for the appearance of organisms. Most biological pigments derive from the metabolism of shikimic acid (melanins), mevalonic acid (carotenoids) or levulinic acid (porphyrins), which thus generate the observed diversity of external phenotypes. Starlings are generally dark birds despite iridescence in feathers, but 10 % of species have evolved plumage pigmentation comprising bright colors that are known to be produced only by carotenoids. However, using micro-Raman spectroscopy, we have discovered that the bright yellow plumage coloration of one of these species, the Afrotropical golden-breasted starling Cosmopsarus regius, is not produced by carotenoids, but by vitamin A (all-trans-retinol). This is the first organism reported to deposit significant amounts of vitamin A in its integument and use it as a body pigment. Phylogenetic reconstructions reveal that the retinol-based pigmentation of the golden-breasted starling has independently appeared in the starling family from dark ancestors. Our study thus unveils a unique evolution of a new class of external pigments comprised by retinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Khaled Murtada
- Regional Institute for Applied Scientific Research (IRICA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alberto Jorge
- Laboratory of Non-Invasive Analytical Techniques, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Ríos
- Regional Institute for Applied Scientific Research (IRICA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Mohammed Zougagh
- Regional Institute for Applied Scientific Research (IRICA), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
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21
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Galván I. Physiological compartmentalization as a possible cause of phylogenetic signal loss: an example involving melanin-based pigmentation. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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22
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Abolins-Abols M, Kornobis E, Ribeca P, Wakamatsu K, Peterson MP, Ketterson ED, Milá B. Differential gene regulation underlies variation in melanic plumage coloration in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis
). Mol Ecol 2018; 27:4501-4515. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikus Abolins-Abols
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Illinois; Urbana Illinois
- Department of Biology; Indiana University; Bloomington Indiana
| | - Etienne Kornobis
- National Museum of Natural Sciences; Spanish National Research Council (CSIC); Madrid Spain
| | | | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry; Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences; Toyoake Aichi Japan
| | | | | | - Borja Milá
- National Museum of Natural Sciences; Spanish National Research Council (CSIC); Madrid Spain
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23
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Galván I. Predation risk determines pigmentation phenotype in nuthatches by melanin-related gene expression effects. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1760-1771. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Doñana Biological Station; CSIC; Sevilla Spain
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24
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Solar and terrestrial radiations explain continental-scale variation in bird pigmentation. Oecologia 2018; 188:683-693. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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25
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Galván I, Cerezo J, Jorge A, Wakamatsu K. Molecular vibration as a novel explanatory mechanism for the expression of animal colouration. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 10:464-473. [PMID: 29951656 DOI: 10.1039/c8ib00100f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal colouration is characterized by the concentration of pigments in integumentary structures and by the nanoscale arrangement of constitutive elements. However, the influence of molecular vibration on colour expression has been overlooked in biology. Molecular vibration occurs in the infrared spectral region, but vibrational and electronic properties can influence each other. Thus, the vibration of pigment molecules may also affect their absorption properties and the resulting colours. We calculated for the first time the relative contribution of molecular vibration (by means of Raman spectroscopy) and concentration (by means of HPLC) of melanin polymers, the most common animal pigments, to generate diversity in plumage colour in 47 species of birds. Vibrational characteristics explained >9 times more variance in colour expression than the concentration of melanins. Additionally, we modelled melanin Raman spectra on the basis of the chemical structure of their constituent monomers and calculated the Huang-Rhys factors for each vibrational mode, which indicate the contribution of these modes to the electronic spectra responsible for the resulting colours. High Huang-Rhys factors frequently coincided with the vibrational modes of melanin monomers. Our results can be explained by the influence of molecular vibration on the absorption properties of melanins. The colour of organisms may thus mainly result from the vibrational properties of their molecules and only residually from their concentration. As a given melanin concentration can give rise to different colours because different structural melanin conformations can present different vibrational characteristics, vibrational effects may favour phenotypic plasticity and thus constitute an important evolutionary force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Javier Cerezo
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alberto Jorge
- Laboratory of Non-Destructive Analytical Techniques, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
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26
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Urbanization alters the relationship between coloration and territorial aggression, but not hormones, in song sparrows. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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27
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Galván I, Jorge A, García-Gil M. Pheomelanin molecular vibration is associated with mitochondrial ROS production in melanocytes and systemic oxidative stress and damage. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 9:751-761. [PMID: 28726920 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00107j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vibrations in covalent bonds affect electron delocalization within molecules, as reported in polymers. If synthesized by living cells, the electron delocalization of polymers affects the stabilization of cellular free radicals, but biomolecular vibration has never been considered a potential source of cytotoxicity. Here we show that the vibrational characteristics of natural pheomelanin and eumelanin contribute to feather color expression in four poultry breeds with different melanin-based pigmentation patterns, but only the vibrational characteristics of pheomelanin are related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria of melanocytes and to systemic levels of cellular oxidative stress and damage. This association may be explained by the close physical contact existing between mitochondria and melanosomes, and reveals an unprecedented factor affecting the viability of organisms through their pigmentation. These findings open a new avenue for understanding the mechanism linking pheomelanin synthesis to human melanoma risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station - CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
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28
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Galván I, Araujo-Andrade C, Marro M, Loza-Alvarez P, Wakamatsu K. Raman spectroscopy quantification of eumelanin subunits in natural unaltered pigments. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 31:673-682. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Estación Biológica de Doñana; CSIC; Sevilla Spain
| | - Cuauhtemoc Araujo-Andrade
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Castelldefels Spain
- Unidad Académica de Física; Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas; Zacatecas Mexico
| | - Mónica Marro
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Castelldefels Spain
| | - Pablo Loza-Alvarez
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques; The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology; Castelldefels Spain
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry; Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences; Toyoake Japan
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29
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Galván I, Rodríguez‐Martínez S, Carrascal LM. Dark pigmentation limits thermal niche position in birds. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyDoñana Biological StationCSIC Sevilla Spain
| | | | - Luis M. Carrascal
- Department of Biogeography and Global ChangeNational Museum of Natural SciencesCSIC Madrid Spain
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30
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Raman Spectroscopy Reveals the Presence of Both Eumelanin and Pheomelanin in the Skin of Lacertids. J HERPETOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1670/16-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Negro JJ, Finlayson C, Galván I. Melanins in Fossil Animals: Is It Possible to Infer Life History Traits from the Coloration of Extinct Species? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020230. [PMID: 29360744 PMCID: PMC5855542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Paleo-colour scientists have recently made the transition from describing melanin-based colouration in fossil specimens to inferring life-history traits of the species involved. Two such cases correspond to counter-shaded dinosaurs: dark-coloured due to melanins dorsally, and light-coloured ventrally. We believe that colour reconstruction of fossils based on the shape of preserved microstructures—the majority of paleo-colour studies involve melanin granules—is not without risks. In addition, animals with contrasting dorso-ventral colouration may be under different selection pressures beyond the need for camouflage, including, for instance, visual communication or ultraviolet (UV) protection. Melanin production is costly, and animals may invest less in areas of the integument where pigments are less needed. In addition, melanocytes exposed to UV radiation produce more melanin than unexposed melanocytes. Pigment economization may thus explain the colour pattern of some counter-shaded animals, including extinct species. Even in well-studied extant species, their diversity of hues and patterns is far from being understood; inferring colours and their functions in species only known from one or few specimens from the fossil record should be exerted with special prudence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Negro
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Clive Finlayson
- The Gibraltar Museum, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, UK.
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
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32
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Camacho C, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Abril-Colón I, Canal D, Potti J. Plumage colour predicts dispersal propensity in male pied flycatchers. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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33
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Galván I, Moraleda V, Otero I, Álvarez E, Inácio Â. Genetic favouring of pheomelanin-based pigmentation limits physiological benefits of coloniality in lesser kestrels Falco naumanni. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:5594-5602. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC; Sevilla Spain
| | - Virginia Moraleda
- Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA); Majadahonda Spain
| | - Ignacio Otero
- Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA); Majadahonda Spain
| | - Ernesto Álvarez
- Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA); Majadahonda Spain
| | - Ângela Inácio
- Laboratório de Genética; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB); Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisboa Portugal
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34
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Galván I, García-Campa J, Negro JJ. Complex Plumage Patterns Can Be Produced Only with the Contribution of Melanins. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:600-604. [DOI: 10.1086/693962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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35
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Galván I. Condition-dependence of pheomelanin-based coloration in nuthatches Sitta europaea suggests a detoxifying function: implications for the evolution of juvenile plumage patterns. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9138. [PMID: 28831177 PMCID: PMC5567206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult-like juvenile plumage patterns often signal genotypic quality to parents. During adulthood, the same patterns often signal quality to mates. This has led to assume that adult-like juvenile plumage is a developmental consequence of sexual selection operating in adults. Many of these patterns are produced by the pigment pheomelanin, whose synthesis may help remove toxic excess cysteine. Excess cysteine is likely to arise under conditions of relatively low stress, such as those experienced by nestling birds. Thus, adult-like plumage may be advantageous for juveniles if produced by pheomelanin. In the Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea, juveniles are sexually dichromatic and identical to adults. Nestling nuthatches in poorer condition develop more intense pheomelanin-based feathers, indicating greater pigment production. The same is not observed in adults. This is contrary to a function related to signaling quality and instead suggests that, at least in the Eurasian nuthatch, adult-like juvenile plumage has evolved because of the detoxifying function of pheomelanin-based pigmentation. Given the prevalence of colors typically conferred by pheomelanin in juvenile plumage patterns, the detoxifying capacity of pheomelanin under low stress levels should be considered as an explanation for the evolution of both adult-like and distinctively juvenile plumage patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
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36
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Galván I, Palacios D, Negro JJ. The bare head of the Northern bald ibis ( Geronticus eremita) fulfills a thermoregulatory function. Front Zool 2017; 14:15. [PMID: 28265294 PMCID: PMC5333446 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dark pigments provide animals with several adaptive benefits such as protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mechanical abrasion, but may also impose several constraints like a high absorbance of solar radiation. Endotherms, with relatively constant and high body temperatures, may be especially prone to thermoregulatory limitations if dark coloured and inhabiting hot environments. It is therefore expected that adaptations have specifically evolved because of these limitations. Bare, highly vascularised head skin may have evolved in birds with dark plumage from hot geographical regions because of favouring heat dissipation. Using the Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) as a model species, we measured the surface temperature (Tsurf) of the head, the bill and the black feathered body of 11 birds along ambient temperatures (Ta) ranging from 21 to 42.5 °C employing thermal imaging. Results While Tsurf of the bill and the feathered body was only slightly above Ta, head Tsurf was considerably higher, by up to 12 °C. Estimated values of heat loss followed similar variations. We also found that the red colour intensity of the head of ibises increased with head Tsurf, suggesting that birds are capable of controlling blood flow and the thermoregulatory function of the head. Conclusions These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bare skin has evolved in dark pigmented birds inhabiting hot environments because of their ability to dissipate heat. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-017-0201-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station - CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Daniel Palacios
- Department of Zoology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan José Negro
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station - CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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