The function and consequences of fluorescence in tetrapods

Author:

Nicolaï Michaël P. J.12ORCID,Bok Michael J.3,Abalos Javier45ORCID,D'Alba Liliana6,Shawkey Matthew D.1,Goldenberg Jonathan14

Affiliation:

1. Biology Department, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium

2. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

3. Lund Vision Group, Department of Biology, University of Lund, Lund 22362, Sweden

4. Division of Biodiversity and Evolution, Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden

5. Ethology Lab, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain

6. Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands

Abstract

Fluorescence, the optical phenomenon whereby short-wavelength light is absorbed and emitted at longer wavelengths, has been widely described in aquatic habitats, in both invertebrates and fish. Recent years have seen a stream of articles reporting fluorescence, ranging from frogs, platypus, to even fully terrestrial organisms such as flying squirrels, often explicitly or implicitly linking the presence of fluorescence with sexual selection and communication. However, many of these studies fail to consider the physiological requirements of evolutionary stable signaling systems, the environmental dependence of perception, or the possible adaptive role of fluorescent coloration in a noncommunicative context. More importantly, the idea that fluorescence may simply constitute an indirect by-product of selection on other traits is often not explored. This is especially true for terrestrial systems where environmental light conditions are often not amenable for fluorescent signaling in contrast to, for example, aquatic habitats in which spectral properties of water promote functional roles for fluorescence. Despite the appeal of previously unknown ways in which coloration may drive evolution, the investigation of a putative role of fluorescence in communication must be tempered by a realistic understanding of its limitations. Here, we not only highlight and discuss the key body of literature but also address the potential pitfalls when reporting fluorescence and how to solve them. In addition, we propose exciting different research avenues to advance the field of tetrapod fluorescence.

Funder

BOF UGENT

Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

DOD | USAF | AMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Belgian American Educational Foundation

Wenner-Gren Foundation

Margarita Salas

Vetenskapsrådet grant

Publisher

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3