揭示虹彩的演化历程。

Illuminating the Evolution of Iridescence.

机构信息

School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.

出版信息

Trends Ecol Evol. 2018 Jun;33(6):374-375. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.03.011. Epub 2018 Apr 11.

DOI:10.1016/j.tree.2018.03.011

Abstract

Iridescence, a change in hue with viewing or illumination geometry, is a common feature of colour patterns in nature, though its significance remains elusive. Recent studies of floral iridescence reveal its functional versatility in enhancing the detection and discrimination of resources by insect viewers, as well as augmenting higher-level processes of memory and perception. Coupled with a known evolutionary lability, these results suggest intriguing possibilities for how this optical curiosity may act as a key to diversification.

摘要

虹彩，即随观察或照明几何形状而变化的色调，是自然界色彩图案的常见特征，但它的意义仍然难以捉摸。最近对花卉虹彩的研究揭示了其在增强昆虫观察者对资源的检测和辨别能力，以及增强记忆和感知等高级过程方面的多功能性。再加上已知的进化不稳定性，这些结果表明，这种光学奇景可能作为多样化的关键，具有令人着迷的可能性。