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The evolution, maintenance and adaptive function of genetic colour polymorphism in birds
1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK. Alexandre.Roulin@ie-zea.unil.ch
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Genetically inherited color traits in birds, unlike condition-dependent ones, can honestly signal quality. This genetic color polymorphism is maintained by adaptation to different ecological niches and influences various life traits.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Coloration
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Dominant hypothesis: Ornaments signal quality only if condition-dependent.
- Limited research on non-condition-dependent color traits.
- Focus on evolution, maintenance, and function of genetically controlled plumage traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review theoretical and empirical knowledge of genetically controlled color plumage traits.
- Investigate the adaptive function of color traits independent of body condition.
- Explore the role of genetic color polymorphism in species.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of theoretical and empirical studies.
- Analysis of findings on genetic inheritance of color morphs (Mendelian laws).
- Examination of experimental studies on mate choice and dominance interactions.
Main Results:
- Genetic color polymorphism is frequent in birds.
- Color morphs are linked to alternative ecological niches and life-history traits.
- Conspecifics use color morphs in mate choice and dominance interactions.
Conclusions:
- Genetically inherited color morphs can signal quality, challenging the condition-dependence hypothesis.
- Color polymorphism has adaptive functions, including niche exploitation and social signaling.
- Further research is needed on factors maintaining genetic variation in coloration.