Integument colouration in relation to persistent organic pollutants and body condition in arctic breeding black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla).

摘要: Vertebrates cannot synthetize carotenoids de novo but have to acquire them through their diet. In birds, are responsible for the yellow red colouration of many secondary sexual traits. They also involved in physiological functions such as immunostimulation and immunoregulation. Consequently, carotenoid-based is very often considered a reliable signal health foraging abilities. Although few studies suggested that coloured traits could be sensitive environmental pollution persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination, relationships between remain unclear. Here, we examined integuments individual POP levels pre-laying female black-legged kittiwakes from high latitudes. this area, these arctic seabirds exposed POPs contamination. Additionally, investigated body condition, frequently used index quality. We found negative relationship several components integument colouration: saturation eye-ring, gapes tongue, suggesting disrupt labile kittiwakes. addition, females better condition displayed more orange brighter tongue than poor condition. These results demonstrate hue brightness current nutritional status Overall, our study shows colour can affected by environmental-driven variables.