Document Detail


A seasnake's colour affects its susceptibility to algal fouling.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20375055     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Evolutionary transitions from terrestrial to aquatic life modify selective forces on an animal's coloration. For example, light penetrates differently through water than air, and a new suite of predators and visual backgrounds changes the targets of selection. We suggest that an aquatic animal's coloration may also affect its susceptibility to algal fouling. In a colour-polymorphic field population of seasnakes (Emydocephalus annulatus) in New Caledonia, black individuals supported higher algal cover than did banded conspecifics. In experimental tests, black snake models (plastic tubes) accumulated more algae than did banded models. Algal cover substantially reduced snake activity (in the field) and swimming speeds (in the laboratory). Effects of algal cover on a snake's hydrodynamic efficiency and/or its rate of cutaneous gas exchange thus may impose selection on the colours of aquatic organisms.
Authors:
R Shine; F Brischoux; A J Pile
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-04-07
Journal Detail:
Title:  Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society     Volume:  277     ISSN:  1471-2954     ISO Abbreviation:  Proc. Biol. Sci.     Publication Date:  2010 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-07-13     Completed Date:  2010-10-26     Revised Date:  2011-08-29    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101245157     Medline TA:  Proc Biol Sci     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  2459-64     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. rics@bio.usyd.edu.au
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Color*
Eukaryota / growth & development*
Female
Hydrophidae / anatomy & histology*,  physiology
Male
Swimming
Comments/Corrections

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