Adaptive significance of coat colouration and patterns of Sciuromorpha (Rodentia)

摘要: An analysis on the adaptive meaning of coat colouration and colour patterns in Sciuromorpha, a successful group within rodents, was carried out. We ran analyses with without taking into account phylogeny by building up comprehensive phylogenetic tree based published literature, as well testing number hypotheses connecting or eco-behavioural traits this mammalian group. found that characteristics these rodents are mostly related to concealment, associations between colouration/patterns habitats where each species lives. Communication also seems play role shaping colourations particularly concerning extremities, conspicuous ear/face markings tail being associated social species; for interspecific communication an antipredatory strategy is discussed patterns. Thus, concealment be primary driving force colours Sc...