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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
Published on: May 29, 2008
Illuminating the Evolution of Iridescence
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
Abstract:
Iridescence, a change in hue with viewing or illumination geometry, is a common feature of colour patterns in nature, though its significance remains elusive. Recent studies of floral iridescence reveal its functional versatility in enhancing the detection and discrimination of resources by insect viewers, as well as augmenting higher-level processes of memory and perception. Coupled with a known evolutionary lability, these results suggest intriguing possibilities for how this optical curiosity may act as a key to diversification.
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