Abstract
Four populations of Heliocidaris erythrogramma in southern Tasmania showed considerable colour
variation of the calcareous spines and test (white, violet, green or violet and green) as well as of the
dermis (white, dark red or occasionally pink). The three major pigments of the calcareous parts were
identified as Spinochromes A, B and C. The dermis contained pigment granules that consisted mainly
of echinochrome A together with an unidentified iron-containing pigment. The variation in dermal
pigmentation had a major effect on the appearance of the live urchins and is unusual among echinoids.
The proportions of colour morphs varied both within and between populations, strongly suggesting
that colour variation is controlled by environmental and/or genetic factors. A correlation between
exposure of a site to wave action and dermal pigmentation was observed; urchins with a white dermis
were found in much higher proportions at the most exposed site. Other possible ecological and
evolutionary explanations for the variation are discussed.
Subject
Ecology,Aquatic Science,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics,Oceanography
Cited by
15 articles.
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