Adaptive colouration in amphibians

Rudh, Andreas; Qvarnström, Anna

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2013.05.004

Cited by 80 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 105 publications

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“…If pigment-cell autonomous interactions are an engine for pattern formation, our study illustrates that very different pattern outcomes can occur depending on the context in which this engine operates. Such considerations may help to explain the extraordinary diversification of pigment pattern in teleosts 8, 11, 51, 52 and other ectothermic vertebrates 53, 54, 55 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pigment cell interactions and differential xanthophore recruitment underlying zebrafish stripe reiteration and Danio pattern evolution

2014

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Fishes have diverse pigment patterns, yet mechanisms of pattern evolution remain poorly understood. In zebrafish, Danio rerio, pigment-cell autonomous interactions generate dark stripes of melanophores that alternate with light interstripes of xanthophores and iridophores. Here, we identify mechanisms underlying the evolution of a uniform pattern in D. albolineatus in which all three pigment cell classes are intermingled. We show that in this species xanthophores differentiate precociously over a wider area, and that cis regulatory evolution has increased expression of xanthogenic Colony Stimulating Factor-1 (Csf1). Expressing Csf1 similarly in D. rerio has cascading effects, driving the intermingling of all three pigment cell classes and resulting in the loss of stripes, as in D. albolineatus. Our results identify novel mechanisms of pattern development and illustrate how pattern diversity can be generated when a core network of pigment-cell autonomous interactions is coupled with changes in pigment cell differentiation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pigment cell interactions and differential xanthophore recruitment underlying zebrafish stripe reiteration and Danio pattern evolution

2014

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“…61 for an extensive review), whereas the adaptive value of cryptic coloration and behaviour of salamanders –aside from their aposematic traits626364– has received considerably less investigation. We analysed the expression of phenotypic plasticity in skin pigmentation of larvae of the Iberian newt, Lissotriton boscai , in response to different albedo environments and the presence of chemical cues from a common predator: nymphs of the dragonfly Anax imperator .…”

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confidence: 99%

Pigmentation plasticity enhances crypsis in larval newts: associated metabolic cost and background choice behaviour

Polo‐Cavia

Gómez-Mestre

2017

Sci Rep

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In heterogeneous environments, the capacity for colour change can be a valuable adaptation enhancing crypsis against predators. Alternatively, organisms might achieve concealment by evolving preferences for backgrounds that match their visual traits, thus avoiding the costs of plasticity. Here we examined the degree of plasticity in pigmentation of newt larvae (Lissotriton boscai) in relation to predation risk. Furthermore, we tested for associated metabolic costs and pigmentation-dependent background choice behaviour. Newt larvae expressed substantial changes in pigmentation so that light, high-reflecting environment induced depigmentation whereas dark, low-reflecting environment induced pigmentation in just three days of exposure. Induced pigmentation was completely reversible upon switching microhabitats. Predator cues, however, did not enhance cryptic phenotypes, suggesting that environmental albedo induces changes in pigmentation improving concealment regardless of the perceived predation risk. Metabolic rate was higher in heavily pigmented individuals from dark environments, indicating a high energetic requirement of pigmentation that could impose a constraint to larval camouflage in dim habitats. Finally, we found partial evidence for larvae selecting backgrounds matching their induced phenotypes. However, in the presence of predator cues, larvae increased the time spent in light environments, which may reflect a escape response towards shallow waters rather than an attempt at increasing crypsis.

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“…While we cannot discard the presence of cryptic species within D. carnifex , we believe that plasticity in D. carnifex tadpoles’ coloration is a more viable option for explaining the two colour schemes than cryptic diversity given the reversibility of bright to pale phenotype. This colour plasticity could potentially be due to distinct camouflage strategies to face predation (see Rudh & Qvarnström, ). For example, some tadpoles show paler or darker phenotypes in order to avoid predators through background matching (Kats & Van Dragt, ; King et al, ; Polo‐Cavia & Gomez‐Mestre, ) while some may even bury themselves in the muddy bottom to improve crypsis (Touchon & Warkentin, ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The coloration of organisms has driven a broad interest from ecological, evolutionary and even conservation perspectives (e.g. Cott, ; Fogden & Fogden, ; Rudh & Qvarnström, ; Arbuckle & Speed, ). In tadpoles, body coloration serves many functions, such as crypsis, thermoregulation, ultraviolet protection and communication (Thibaudeau & Altig, ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In tadpoles, body coloration serves many functions, such as crypsis, thermoregulation, ultraviolet protection and communication (Thibaudeau & Altig, ). Diversity of coloration in tadpoles is not limited to genetic variation among species or populations, but may also be a product of plasticity and environmentally induced changes resulting from ecological conditions such as light regimes, turbidity, coloration of the environment (water or background), the presence of predators, temperature and UV‐B radiation (Rudh & Qvarnstöm, ). For instance, tadpoles inhabiting turbid water often look pale, while conspecifics living in tannin‐stained water are frequently brightly coloured (Thibaudeau & Altig, ).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Extreme colour variation in the larvae of the executioner clownfrog, Dendropsophus carnifex (Anura: Hylidae), living in nearby ponds of different light exposure and duration

et al. 2019

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Here, we describe the extreme plasticity in colour variation in the tadpole of the executioner clownfrog, Dendropsophus carnifex (Anura: Hylidae), found across nearby ponds in Mindo (Ecuador). Tadpole coloration was compared between individuals from four distinct ponds revealing two explicit colour schemes, a pale phenotype which is commonly described for this species and a bright phenotype which, to our knowledge, has not been described before. In addition, the bright phenotype revealed reversibility to the pale phenotype in laboratory conditions. We discuss the functionality and driving factors for these contrasting colour phenotypes including the potential role of distinct ecological conditions. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

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Adaptive colouration in amphibians

Cited by 80 publications

References 105 publications

Pigment cell interactions and differential xanthophore recruitment underlying zebrafish stripe reiteration and Danio pattern evolution

Pigment cell interactions and differential xanthophore recruitment underlying zebrafish stripe reiteration and Danio pattern evolution

Pigmentation plasticity enhances crypsis in larval newts: associated metabolic cost and background choice behaviour

Extreme colour variation in the larvae of the executioner clownfrog, Dendropsophus carnifex (Anura: Hylidae), living in nearby ponds of different light exposure and duration

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