Individual colour patches as multicomponent signals.

摘要: Colour patches are complex traits, the components of which may evolve independently through a variety mechanisms. Although usually treated as simple, two-dimensional characters and classified either structural or pigmentary, in reality colour complicated, three-dimensional structures that often contain multiple pigment types features. The basic dermal chromatophore unit fishes, reptiles amphibians consists three contiguous cell layers. Xanthophores erythrophores outermost layer carotenoid pteridine pigments absorb short-wave light; iridophores middle crystalline platelets reflect light back xanthophores; melanophores basal melanins across spectrum. Changes any one component can drastically alter reflectance spectrum produced, for given adaptive outcome (e.g. an increase visibility), there be biochemical cellular routes evolution could take, allowing divergent responses by different populations species to similar selection regimes. All mechanisms signal previously have been applied single ornaments (including whole patches) potentially individual patches. To reach complete understanding patch evolution, however, it necessary take explicitly multi-trait approach. Here, we review trait theory production amphibians, use combination computer simulations empirical examples show how This integrative perspective on animal colouration opens up host new questions hypotheses. We offer specific, testable functional hypotheses most common pigmentary (carotenoid, melanin) vertebrate