| Iridescent colour production in hairs of blind golden moles (Chrysochloridae). | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22279154 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Relative to other metazoans, the mammalian integument is thought to be limited in colour. In particular, while iridescence is widespread among birds and arthropods, it has only rarely been reported in mammals. Here, we examine the colour, morphology and optical mechanisms in hairs from four species of golden mole (Mammalia: Chrysochloridae) that are characterized by sheens ranging from purple to green. Microspectrophotometry reveals that this colour is weak and variable. Iridescent hairs are flattened and have highly reduced cuticular scales, providing a broad and smooth surface for light reflection. These scales form multiple layers of light and dark materials of consistent thickness, strikingly similar to those in the elytra of iridescent beetles. Optical modelling suggests that the multi-layers produce colour through thin-film interference, and that the sensitivity of this mechanism to slight changes in layer thickness and number explains colour variability. While coloured integumentary structures are typically thought to evolve as sexual ornaments, the blindness of golden moles suggests that the colour may be an epiphenomenon resulting from evolution via other selective factors, including the ability to move and keep clean in dirt and sand. |
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Authors:
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Holly K Snyder; Rafael Maia; Liliana D'Alba; Allison J Shultz; Karen M C Rowe; Kevin C Rowe; Matthew D Shawkey |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2012-1-25 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Biology letters Volume: - ISSN: 1744-957X ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2012 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-1-26 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101247722 Medline TA: Biol Lett Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, , Akron, OH 44325-3908, USA. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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