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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments
Published on: May 21, 2019
Specific appetite for carotenoids in a colorful bird
Juan Carlos Senar1, Anders Pape Møller, Iker Ruiz
1Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology Associate Research Unit-CSIC, Museu Ciencies Naturals Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. jcsenar@bcn.cat
Background:
Since carotenoids have physiological functions necessary for maintaining health, individuals should be selected to actively seek and develop a specific appetite for these compounds.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
Great tits Parus major in a diet choice experiment, both in captivity and the field, preferred carotenoid-enriched diets to control diets. The food items did not differ in any other aspects measured besides carotenoid content.
Conclusions/Significance:
Specific appetite for carotenoids is here demonstrated for the first time, placing these compounds on a par with essential nutrients as sodium or calcium.
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