On the Role of Colour in the Evolution of Selection Behaviour

Birgitta Dresp (1)

1 ICube - Laboratoire des sciences de l'ingénieur, de l'informatique et de l'imagerie

The males of many animal species are bigger than the females and have often evolved particular visual attributes, such as the conspicuous feather colourations of birds, the coloured patterns of insects, or their capacity to emit light. Colourful attributes may be important for survival since propagation of animal species proceeds by a sexual rather than an asexual mechanism. Partner choice is both inter and intra-species specific, and it can be male oriented, female oriented, mutual, or random. Whenever choice is involved, the colour patterns of an individual may play an important role in the selection process. Here, we review how colour is produced in animals and how biological colourations can act as sexually-linked ornaments, determining mate choice and reproduction of the species. This may include acting as a signal for good health and immune-competence, or signalling male dominance in territorial disputes. How the visual systems of different species enable them to detect and discriminate colour patterns and how such visual abilities contribute to their survival is explained. The influence of evolutionary and environmental pressures on both perceptual capacity and colour trait production is discussed. Finally, the cost of producing such sexual traits is weighed against its potential benefits in terms of survival of the species.

Domaines: Sciences cognitives

Birgitta Dresp. On the Role of Colour in the Evolution of Selection Behaviour. 2014. ⟨hal-01064670⟩