The dual function of barred plumage in birds: camouflage and communication

Gluckman, Thanh-Lan; Cardoso, Gonçalo C.

doi:10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.02109.x

Cited by 45 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Similar plumage patterns have evolved in many distantly and closely related species of birds [9, 11, 43]. We demonstrated that plumage pattern evolution follows sequential steps that is congruent with developmental constraint.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Evolutionary pathways to convergence in plumage patterns

Gluckman

Mundy

2016

BMC Evol Biol

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BackgroundAvian plumage is ideal for investigating phenotypic convergence because of repeated evolution of the same within-feather patterns. In birds, there are three major types of regular patterns within feathers: scales, bars and spots. Existing models of within-feather pattern development suggest that scales have the simplest developmental mechanism, bars require more stringent regulation than scales, and spots have the strictest developmental parameters. We hypothesized that increasing stringency in the mechanism of pattern formation predicts the evolutionary trajectory of patterns, and hence scales should evolve first, followed by bars and finally spots. Here, using Bayesian phylogenetic modeling we reconstructed pattern evolution in the most spectacularly patterned avian clades – aquatic waterfowl (Anseriformes) and terrestrial gamebirds (Galliformes).ResultsOur analyses suggest that the ancestral state of plumage is an absence of patterns, but with some variability. Independent analyses of seven feather patches reveal that spots evolve after bars and scales. However, both scales and bars evolve frequently from an absence of patterns, contradicting our predictions. Over the whole body, many constraints are conserved from the level of patches, for example the largest number of steps from the ancestral state was required for spots to evolve.ConclusionsOverall there was remarkable similarity in the inferred evolutionary trajectories of plumage pattern evolution in Galliformes and Anseriformes, suggesting that developmental constraint is similar in these two orders, despite large ecological differences. These evolutionary transitions are largely congruent with a reaction–diffusion based model of pattern formation, but the evolution of bars from an unpatterned ancestor is more common than expected. Our study highlights the promise of testing models of development using comparative methods.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0741-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Evolutionary pathways to convergence in plumage patterns

Gluckman

Mundy

2016

BMC Evol Biol

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“…Previous analyses of only barred plumage in cuckoos have found this to be a derived trait that most likely arose after the evolution of parasitism (Krüger et al, 2007). Analyses with all avian families have also shown that sexual selection may play a role in the evolution of barred plumage (Gluckman and Cardoso, 2010), but this does not seem to be the case for cuckoos (Krüger et al, 2007). Our results show that Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 42%

Hawk mimicry and the evolution of polymorphic cuckoos

Thorogood

Davies²

2013

Chinese Birds

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The resemblance of some parasitic cuckoos to Accipiter hawks has been known since ancient times. Recent experiments show that the hawk-like features of Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) facilitate access to Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) host nests. However, social information alerts hosts to see through the cuckoo's mimetic disguise. In turn, this has promoted the evolution of a cuckoo polymorphism to thwart host recognition. Here we show by comparative analyses that parasitic cuckoos with hawk-like features (yellow eyes, barred underparts, yellow legs) are more likely to be polymorphic (29% of species) than those without (8% of species). Phylogenetic analyses confirm correlated evolution of hawk-like features and cuckoo polymorphism. We suggest that mimicry dynamics are particularly likely to promote the evolution of various guises in parasitic cuckoos to beat host defences.

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“…1), 2011). In birds, classical functions assigned to melanin-based phenotypes are those related to individual recognition (Dale et al 2001), thermoregulation (e.g., Sirkiä et al 2010), camouflage (Galeotti andRubolini 2004, Gluckman andCardoso 2010), photoprotection (Hadley 1972), and signaling (e.g., Senar and Camerino 1998).…”

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confidence: 99%