Substrate thermal properties influence ventral brightness evolution in ectotherms.

ABSTRACT: The thermal environment can affect the evolution of morpho-behavioral adaptations of ectotherms. Heat is transferred from substrates to organisms by conduction and reflected radiation. Because brightness influences the degree of heat absorption, substrates could affect the evolution of integumentary optical properties. Here, we show that vipers (Squamata:Viperidae) inhabiting hot, highly radiative and superficially conductive substrates have evolved bright ventra for efficient heat transfer. We analyzed the brightness of 4161 publicly available images from 126 species, and we found that substrate type, alongside latitude and body mass, strongly influences ventral brightness. Substrate type also significantly affects dorsal brightness, but this is associated with different selective forces:

SUBMITTER: Goldenberg J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7782800 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature