The Evolution of Conspicuous and Distinctive Coloration for Communication in Birds

摘要: Our goal is to elucidate the selective pressures that account for origin and maintenance of conspicuous distinctive coloration (hereafter referred collectively as colorfulness) in birds. ideas are relevant study other animals well. We propose an “adaptationist program” (Gould Lewontin, 1979) features use comparative method (Hailman, 1976; Ridley, 1983; Clutton-Brock Harvey, 1984), color manipulations, tests a priori predictions. major effort compare contrast hypotheses have been proposed colorfulness Progress understanding bird will come more quickly when researchers evaluate than one hypothesis at time. The availability multiple serves two purposes. First, it frees researcher from psychological dependence on being tested (Loehle, 1987). Second, with careful planning, permits strong inference testing (Platt, 1964) among most hypotheses.