Visual "playback" of colorful signals in the field supports sensory drive for signal detectability.

ABSTRACT: Colorful visual signals are important systems for investigating the effects of signaling environments and receiver physiology on signal evolution as predicted by the sensory drive hypothesis. Support for the sensory drive hypothesis on color signal evolution is mostly based on documenting correlations between the properties of signals and habitat conditions under which the signals are given (i.e., a correlational approach) and less commonly on the use of mathematical models that integrate representations of visual environments, signal properties, and sensory systems (i.e., a functional approach). Here, we used an experimental approach in the field to evaluate signal efficacy of colorful lizard throat fans called dewlaps that show geographic variation in the lizard Anolis cristatellus.</

SUBMITTER: Gunderson AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6084605 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature