The adaptive significance of ontogenetic colour change in a tropical python

Date

2007

Authors

Wilson, David
Heinsohn, Robert
Endler, John A

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Royal Society of London

Abstract

Ontogenetic colour change is typically associated with changes in size, vulnerability or habitat, but assessment of its functional significance requires quantification of the colour signals from the receivers' perspective. The tropical python, Morelia viridis, is an ideal species to establish the functional significance of ontogenetic colour change. Neonates hatch either yellow or red and both the morphs change to green with age. Here, we show that colour change from red or yellow to green provides camouflage from visually oriented avian predators in the different habitats used by juveniles and adults. This reflects changes in foraging behaviour and vulnerability as individuals mature and provides a rare demonstration of the adaptive value of ontogenetic colour change.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: adaptation; age; animal; article; color vision; ecosystem; physiology; pigmentation; predation; raptor; snake; tropic climate; evolutionary adaptation; Morelia viridis; nonhuman; ontogeny; predator; priority journal; Adaptation, Physiological; Age Factors Colour polymorphism; Crypsis; Morelia viridis; Ontogenetic colour change; Python

Citation

Source

Biology Letters

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2037-12-31