Evolution of ultraviolet vision in the largest avian radiation - the passerines.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Interspecific variation in avian colour vision falls into two discrete classes: violet sensitive (VS) and ultraviolet sensitive (UVS). They are characterised by the spectral sensitivity of the most shortwave sensitive of the four single cones, the SWS1, which is seemingly under direct control of as little as one amino acid substitution in the cone opsin protein. Changes in spectral sensitivity of the SWS1 are ecologically important, as they affect the abilities of birds to accurately assess potential mates, find food and minimise visibility of social signals to predators. Still, available data have indicated that shifts between classes are rare, with only four to five independent acquisitions of UV sensitivity in avian evolution.

Results

We have classified a large

SUBMITTER: Odeen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3225180 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature