Costly melanin ornaments: the importance of taxon?

摘要: Summary 1Experimental work in vertebrates shows that different forms of coloration – particularly carotenoid-based vs melanin-based ornaments are differentially sensitive to stressors such as diet manipulations and parasitic infections. Comparative also historical patterns ornament evolution depend on the proximate mechanisms colour production. 2Based results from vertebrates, it has been argued may not be good indicators quality because, unlike ornaments, melanin pigments can synthesized amino acid precursors, therefore synthesis is unlikely costly. 3However, there evidence for costly insects, which use some ways do not. Differences across taxa costs challenge generality hypotheses relevant these ornaments. 4In general, all pigment-based a function precursor intake processing. reflect differences one or both parameters. 5I urge communication between researchers working related questions disparate (vertebrates invertebrates). This should facilitate discovery most fundamental aspects evolution.