Male Coloration Research Articles

PERFORMA KUALITATIF DAN KUANTITATIF AYAM KAMPUNG (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) DI PETERNAKAN PEMBIBITAN THE MOTHER

This study aims to identify the quantitative and qualitative performance of native chickens in The Mother breeding farm. This study used 50 male native chickens and 50 female native chickens aged 7 months. Variables observed included body hair pattern color, comb shape, comb color, shank color, eye color, beak color, body weight, chest circumference, shank length, shank circumference, body length, pubic bone length to chest, pubic bone distance and length wing span. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that the body color of the male is Columbian (100%), while the female is solid black (62%), columbian (22%) and speckled or dotted (16%). The male cockscomb is pea (86%) and single (14%), while the female is pea (70%), walnut (20%) and single (10%). The color of the male comb is red (100%), while the female is red (98%) and black (2%). The shank color of males is yellow (74%), black (14%) and white (12%), females are black (74%), white (16%) and yellow (10%). Male eye color is orange (76%) and yellow (24%), while females are orange (66%), yellow (20%) and brown (14%). The color of the male's beak is yellow (54%), black and yellow (38%) and white (8%), while the female's beak is black and yellow (82%), yellow (10%) and white (8%). The results of the quantitative characteristics of the study showed that the male body weight was 2.22 ± 2.02 kg and the female was 1.71 ± 0.25 kg, the male chest circumference was 33.9 ± 3.68 cm and the female was 30.67 ± 2.08 cm, the length male shank 9.61 ± 0.89 cm and female 27 ± 0.59 cm, male shank circumference 5.52 ± 0.65 cm and female 4.4 ± 0.5 cm, male body length 20.27 ± 1.17 cm and female 20.40 ± 2.27 cm, the length of the pubic bone to the chest of the female is 7.87 ± 1.06 cm, the distance between the pubic bones is 2.8 ± 0.49 cm, the length of the male wing span is 23.28 ±2.18 cm and females 16.61±2.44 cm. The conclusion of this study is that the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of free-range chickens on The Mother farm are diverse and selection can be made. Keywords: Domestication chicken, Selection, Quality breeds, Lampung Province

Annual molt period and seasonal color variation in the Eared Dove´s crown.

Molting is an important process in which old and worn feathers are exchanged for new ones. Plumage color is determined by pigments such as carotenes, melanin and by the ultrastructure of the feather. The importance of plumage coloration has been widely studied in different groups of birds, generally at a particular time of the year. However, plumage coloration is not static and few studies have addressed the change in plumage color over time and its relationship to reproductive tasks. The Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata, Des Murs, 1847) has a melanistic coloration with sexual dichromatism in different body regions. The Eared Dove´s crown is the most exposed body region during the bowing display. Our objective was therefore to accurately determine the molting period of the crown feathers and study the seasonal variation in their coloration in females and males. Our findings indicate a molting period of 6 months (January to June). The new feathers are undergoing changes in their coloration from July to December. During that period we apply an avian vision model then enabled us to reveal a seasonal variation in the coloration of the crown feathers in both sexes, as given by a change in the chromatic distances. The highest values in the chromatic distances towards the reproductive period are given by a change in the UV-violet component of the spectrum, indicating changes in the microstructure of the feather. This change in crown coloration towards the breeding season could be linked to reproductive behaviors.

Keanekaragaman Morfologis Sukun [Artocarpus altilis (Park.) Fosberg. var. non-seminiferus] Di Daerah Banyumas

Breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Park.) Fosberg] is a plant that have different morphological variations in each region. The Banyumas area is an area that is very suitable for the growth of breadfruit. This study was aimed to determine the diversity of breadfruit plants based on their morphological characteristics. This research was conducted using a survey method, then the data were analyzed descriptively. The research variable was the morphological characteristics of the breadfruit plant, the parameters were the morphological of the canopy, buttress roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The results showed that the morphological variations of breadfruit were found in the shape of the canopy varies, namely broad pyramid, pyramid, ovoid, round, and irregular, some have buttress roots and none, fruit shape varies, namely round and oval. Leaf blade length varies between 26-56 cm, leaf blade width varies between 20-45 cm, leaf stalk length varies between 3-6 cm, leaf shape is ovoid, upper leaf surface is smooth, lower leaf surface is rough, leaf edge incised, the tip of the leaf is tapered, the base of the leaf is wedged, the color of the leaf is dark green. Male flower length varies between 9-17 cm, male flower color varies, namely light green and brownish, male flower shape resembles a club, female flower diameter varies between 5-6 cm, female flower shape is round, female flower color is light green. Fruit weight varies between 450-1250 g, fruit diameter varies between 9-18 cm, fruit skin color is green, flesh color is white to yellowish white, flesh texture is smooth, fruit skin pattern is polygonal, and seeds are round, black.

Caring for the Transgender Patient: It Is More Than Using the Right Pronouns!

Features| February 2023 Caring for the Transgender Patient: It Is More Than Using the Right Pronouns! Kara Segna, MD; Kara Segna, MD Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Lalitha Sundararaman, MBBS, MD Lalitha Sundararaman, MBBS, MD Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor February 2023, Vol. 87, 19–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000919536.69245.89 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kara Segna, Lalitha Sundararaman; Caring for the Transgender Patient: It Is More Than Using the Right Pronouns!. ASA Monitor 2023; 87:19–20 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000919536.69245.89 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: transgender persons Trans individuals often face stigma and discrimination in their daily lives. Ideally, the health care setting should be a safe haven wherein they can be who they are – but is it always so? Unfortunately, the answer is still not a clear and resounding yes! Why are transgender patients stigmatized by society? The answer resides in how people are socialized to understand and enact gender. According to the Harvard Business Review, gendered behavior is learned. From a young age, boys and girls are encouraged to display stereotypically gendered behaviors and discouraged from displaying non-normative ones. My (KS) kindergartener was amazed that her male classmate's favorite color was pink. There is no biological predilection toward color, yet there is a designation as to what is socially acceptable. Moreover, children pick up on subtle signals from their parents and others who enforce gender stereotypes. For example, when donning female garments during dress... You do not currently have access to this content.

Fight, flight or bright(en)

When you think of colour-changing animals, what comes to mind? A slow-moving chameleon barely distinguishable from its spot in a tree? Or maybe an octopus camouflaging itself on the ocean floor? What about hundreds of bright yellow male Asian common toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) gathering to fight each other for the company of their somewhat drab, brown-coloured mates? During monsoon rains, the toads gather in groups of over 200 individuals at breeding sites throughout South and Southeast Asia. Before congregating, the male toads swiftly change colour to a conspicuous yellow, signalling to other males that they are ready to fight – and to distinguish themselves to potential female mates. Unsurprisingly, hormones associated with the ‘fight or flight’ response are high during these ‘explosive breeding’ events thanks to the stressful monsoon rains that coincide with the mating season and fighting for partners. Could these hormones have something to do with the toads’ striking colour change? Susanne Stückler and Doris Preininger from the University of Vienna, Austria, and their colleague Matthew Fuxjager from Brown University, USA, decided to investigate.The trio turned to a group of toads housed in Vienna Zoo, Austria, to see which hormones were responsible for the colour change. First, they measured the colour of the toads’ backs – specifically, the hue (what we normally think of when we describe colour), brightness (lightness or darkness) and chroma (colour saturation). Having established the toads’ baseline colour, the researchers tested whether a dose of the reproductive hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) could trick the toads into thinking that it was breeding season and trigger a rapid colour change. Surprisingly, the toads did not turn bright yellow when they experienced an increase in their reproductive hormone levels. If reproductive hormones such as hCG aren't triggering a change in colour, could the hormones associated with a stressful experience be driving the colourful transformation instead?To test this, the scientists gave the toads one of the stress hormones, either adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and again recorded the toads’ hue, brightness and colour saturation. With either stress hormone, the toads became brighter and their shade of yellow became more saturated. Interestingly, for these toads, only a grape-sized patch of skin changed colour (about half the size of the body), and a few did not change colour at all.To make sure any colour changes the scientists saw in these treatments could actually be seen by potential mates (or sparring partners), Stückler and colleagues also calculated how noticeable the colour changes would be to the eyes of a toad. Using the colour perception data of a close relative, the common toad (Bufo bufo), the scientists were able to estimate just how different this stress-induced yellow would be from the typical brown colour of females or males – and indeed, the yellow stood out! The scientists suggest that to trigger the whole-body colour change, perhaps there are other hormones at play that they haven't tested yet. Or perhaps physical signals such as monsoon rains and social cues such as the company of other toads work together with stress hormones during explosive breeding events in the wild.This is the first time that stress hormones alone have been shown to cause animals to change colour rapidly without the help of other hormones that signal breeding. For Asian common toads, being a brighter, flashier yellow might make them more successful during these explosive breeding events, so it would make sense that they have embraced another means to quickly change colour. So, next time you think of colour-changing animals, perhaps you'll picture the bright yellow Asian common toad – and how their ‘fight or flight’ hormones have now been adopted for flashiness.

중학생들의 학교 공간별 색채 선호도 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze the color preference of middle school students by school space.
 Methods This study analyzed 275 middle school students' color preferences for school spaces such as classrooms, corridors, toilets, restaurants, auditoriums, and special rooms. χ2 of the SPSS program and frequency analysis were used as data processing methods. Frequency analysis is to understand color preference by school space, and cross-analysis is to understand whether there is a difference between male and female students in color preference.
 Results Middle school boys and girls preferred white color as the basic preferred color for most school spaces such as classrooms, corridors, toilets, cafeterias, math rooms, English rooms, art rooms, music rooms, libraries, auditoriums, and exterior walls. However, as a basic preferred color for the science room space, male students preferred blue color the most, but female students preferred white color the most.
 Conclusions White color is the basis for each school space, but efforts are required to apply another color that matches white color in harmony.

Evolution of female colours in birds: The role of female cost of reproduction and paternal care.

Female ornamentation is frequently observed in animal species and is sometimes found as more evolutionary labile than male ornamentation. A complex array of factors may explain its presence and variation. Here we assessed the role of female cost of reproduction and paternal care. Both factors have been pinpointed as important by theoretical studies but have not been investigated yet in details at the interspecific level. We worked on 133 species of North temperate Passeriformes bird species for which both the clutch volume - here taken as the proxy of female cost of reproduction - and amount of paternal care are relatively well known. Using spectrometry, we measured the whole-body coloured plumage patches and quantified three metrics corresponding to brightness (i.e. achromatic component), colour chromaticity (i.e. intensity) and colour volume (i.e. diversity). We found a strong association between male and female colour metrics. Controlling for this association, we found additional small but detectable effects of both cost of reproduction and paternal care. First, females of species with more paternal care were slightly brighter. Second, the interaction between the level of paternal care and egg volume was correlated with female colour intensity: females with more paternal care were more chromatic, with this association mostly present when their investment in reproduction was low. Together these results suggest that female cost of reproduction and paternal care are part of the multiple factors explaining variation of female coloration, besides the strong covariation between male and female coloration.

Male plumage colouration predicts female reproductive investment and nestling survival in a colour dimorphic tropical songbird

In sexually colour dimorphic bird species, males can exhibit phenotypic variation, with males breeding in either dull female-like plumage or brightly coloured plumage. Two contradictory hypotheses predict that the male phenotype variation can influence the female investment in a given breeding attempt. Whereas females usually prefer males in bright coloured plumage, the “differential allocation hypothesis” predicts that females should invest more in their reproductive output when mating with them; while the “compensatory investment hypothesis” predicts that females should invest more when mating with non-preferred males. To test those predictions, we analysed reproductive data for two consecutive breeding seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) of Lined Seedeaters Sporophila lineola. S. lineola is a socially monogamous songbird species in which males exhibit two breeding phenotypes, a black-and-white plumage being the most common, and a less common female-like brownish plumage. Our findings show that females mated with brownish males have a higher reproductive investment (i.e., egg volume) than those mated with black-and-white males. Despite the lower investment of females in egg volume, our results showed that black-and-white males have a higher nestling survival, producing more hatchings and fledglings per season than brownish males, which could suggest a higher fitness. Our findings indicate that investment allocation on the eggs and offspring survival rates can be attributed to the plumage colour of males.

A new species of cloud fish of the genus Hypsolebias from Northeast Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)

Abstract A new species of cloud fish of the genus Hypsolebias is described from a temporary pool in the rio Trairi basin, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. It is the first record of the genus Hypsolebias for the basin. The new speciesbelongs to the H. flammeus species-group, which is composed of the species H. alternatus, H. brunoi, H. delucai, H. fasciatus, H. longignatus, H. marginatus, H. multiradiatus, and H. flammeus. The new species differs from all other species of the group, except H. flammeus, H. multiradiatus,and H. brunoi, by male color pattern and the presence of a metallic blue sheen surrounding the black spots of females. It differs from H. flammeus, H. multiradiatus and H. brunoi by dorsal and anal fin shape (both rounded vs. pointed) and by the orientation of the reddish-brown bars on the body and anal fin of males (diagonal vs. vertical). The new species differs from its congeners of Northeast Brazil mainly by the higher number of dorsal fin rays in males and the higher number of scales in the longitudinal series.

CHALCOLESTES COLORAENEUS (ODONATA, ZYGOPTERA, LESTIDAE) SP. NOV. FROM ROMANIA

This paper describes a new Chalcolestes species – Chalcolestes coloraeneus collected from Romania. This new species shows morphological similarities with Chalcolestes viridis by the metallic iridescent colour of the body and by the yellow to pale brown colour of the lower part of the head; it also shows similarities with Lestes dryas in the pruinosity of the last abdominal segments and with Lestes virens, Lestes sponsa and Lestes dryas by the long fringing hairs on the inferior male annal appendages. Chalcolestes coloraeneus can be separated by the other Lestes and Chalcolestes species by the male dark coppery metallic colour with green and reddish reflections and especially by the shape and colour of the male anal appendages.

Is Color Related to Parasite Load in a Sexually Dichromatic Neotropical Toad?

Research on anuran parasites often focuses on the description and identification of parasites and demonstrating that parasitic infection can have deleterious effects on the health of amphibians. There is comparatively little research on how parasitism influences evolutionary dynamics such as sexual selection. Here, we explore anuran blood parasites with a focus on parasite-mediated sexual selection. The Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis posits that parasite–host coevolution drives sexual ornamentation of hosts, and that the degree of ornament expression honestly signals heritable parasite resistance. Although the Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis has received support in a number of animal taxa, it has received little attention in amphibians. Neotropical Yellow Toads (Incilius luetkenii) are sexually dichromatic toads with an unusual sexual ornament: males turn from cryptic brown to bright lemon yellow for a very short period during the brief breeding season. In this study, we identify blood parasites in male Neotropical Yellow Toads, and we investigate one component of the Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis by comparing skin color and body condition to blood parasite levels. We found four types of parasites. Apicomplexa and frog erythrocytic virus were the most common, infecting 73% and 46% of toads, respectively, whereas Nematoda and bacteria were found in 27% and 36% of toads, respectively. We found negative relationships between parasites and male color: males infected with fewer Apicomplexa and Nematoda had higher yellow saturation, and males with fewer Nematoda had longer-wavelength hue. In contrast, we found one positive relationship between parasites and male color: males infected with higher levels of frog erythrocytic virus had higher brightness. Our results suggest that parasites may influence sexual traits in this species, but that the relationship is complex. This research contributes to our understanding of amphibian host–parasite coevolution by demonstrating a relationship between parasites and host coloration.

Male color polymorphism in populations of reef geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus) reduces the utility of visual signals in sex recognition

Male color polymorphism in populations of reef geckos (Sphaerodactylus notatus) reduces the utility of visual signals in sex recognition

Diversity underfoot of agromyzids (Agromyzidae, Diptera) mining thalli of liverworts and hornworts.

Agromyzidae is a dipteran family that has diversified as internal plant feeders. Although most agromyzid species feed on herbaceous angiosperms, only a limited number of species has been recorded as miners of bryophytes. Extensive searches and rearing of bryophytivores in the Japanese Archipelago were made, resulting in that thallus-mining agromyzids are overwhelmingly widespread and diverse on thalloid liverworts and hornworts. By examining the morphology of adult flies, it was revealed that the agromyzid fauna comprise 39 species, of which 37 species are newly described. All the species are assigned to the genus Phytoliriomyza Hendel based on some shared morphological character states as follows: costa reaching M1; orbital setulae minute and erect (rarely proclinate); male epandrium with combs of fused tubercle-like setae and/or hypertrophied arms bearing tubercle-like setae; male distiphallus comprising a pair of stout, extended tubules; female cercus with two stout, apical, trichoid sensilla. Of the 39 agromyzid species in Japan, 36 species are associated with liverworts: 5 spp. on Marchantia (Marchantiaceae), 2 spp. on Dumortiera (Dumortieraceae), 3 spp. on Plagiochasma, 1 sp. on Asterella, 6 spp. on Reboulia (Aytoniaceae), 1 sp. on Wiesnerella (Wiesnerellaceae), 15 spp. on Conocephalum (Conocephalaceae), and 3 spp. on Riccia (Ricciaceae). Three species are associated with hornworts: 1 sp. on Folioceros (Anthocerotaceae), 1 sp. on Megaceros (Dendrocerotaceae), and 1 sp. on Notothylas,Phaeoceros (Notothyladaceae), and Anthoceros (Anthocerotaceae). The results suggest that 37 of the 39 species are host-specific at least to plant genus level, and that the inter-specific differences in male genitalia and color patterns of scutum, antenna, and maxillary palpus have contributed to reproductive isolation on the bryophytes that the flies share.

Differences among reciprocal hybrids of Labeotropheus.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10750-022-05092-4.

Notes on Yllenus uiguricus Logunov & Marusik, 2003 (Araneae, Salticidae): colour morphs, digging behaviour, and revised distribution

This paper presents new faunistic records, morphological data, and occasional natural history observations on Yllenus uiguricus Logunov & Marusik, 2003 (Salticidae) from south-east Kazakhstan. Three male colour forms and digging behaviour of Y. uiguricus are reported and described for the first time. Brief synopses of digging behaviour and colour polymorphism in Salticidae are also presented.

Pace-of-life syndrome: linking personality, metabolism and colour ornamentation in male guppies

Within populations, there commonly exists consistent among-individual differences in behaviour. As a potential mechanism maintaining this variation, the pace-of-life-syndrome (POLS) hypothesis posits that consistent differences in the behaviour of individuals (i.e. ‘personality’) are intercorrelated and have coevolved with consistent individual differences in metabolism and life-history traits. Here, using adult male guppies, Poecilia reticulata , we tested under laboratory conditions (1) whether behavioural and metabolic traits vary consistently among individuals over time (≤7 days) and (2) the POLS prediction that repeatable behavioural traits should be intercorrelated with each other and with repeatable metabolic rate at the among-individual level. Furthermore, based on indicator models of sexual selection, we expected that sexually selected male colour ornamentation would predict individual personality and metabolic rate. We repeatedly assayed three behavioural traits (sociability, boldness, exploration) and three metabolic traits (resting metabolic rate, maximal metabolic rate, aerobic scope) in a set of males that varied in body size and colour ornamentation. All behavioural trait measures were repeatable, consistent with individual personality. Of the three metabolic traits, only resting metabolic rate (RMR) was repeatable. Behavioural trait measures were significantly intercorrelated and thus integrated in a behavioural syndrome. More ‘proactive’ males were bolder, more exploratory and more sociable than ‘reactive’ ones. However, contrary to the POLS hypothesis, RMR was not significantly correlated with any of the behavioural trait measures, suggesting that consistent individual differences in RMR do not drive or support differences in personality, or vice versa. Male colour ornamentation did not covary with behaviour or RMR and thus does not appear to be a reliable predictor of either behavioural or metabolic phenotypes. We therefore did not find any compelling support for the POLS hypothesis, suggesting that individual differences in metabolism do not underlie the evolution and maintenance of among-individual behavioural variation in our study population. • We tested for behaviour–metabolism covariation in guppies (pace-of-life syndrome, POLS). • Behaviour and resting metabolic rate (RMR) differed consistently among males. • Behavioural differences between males, however, did not covary with their RMR. • Male colour ornamentation did not predict either their personality or metabolism. • Overall, our results do not support the central prediction of the POLS hypothesis.

High predation risk decimates survival during the reproduction season.

Predators attack conspicuous prey phenotypes that are present in the environment. Male display behavior of conspicuous nuptial coloration becomes risky in the presence of a predator, and adult males face higher predation risk. High predation risk in one sex will lead to low survival and sex ratio bias in adult cohorts, unless the increased predation risk is compensated by higher escape rate.Here, we tested the hypothesis that sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) have sex‐specific predation risk and escape rate. We expected the differences to manifest in changes in sex ratio with age, differences in frequency of tail autotomy, and in sex‐specific survival rate.We developed a statistical model to estimate predation risk and escape rate, combining the observed sex ratio and frequency of tail autotomy with likelihood‐based survival rate. Using Bayesian framework, we estimated the model parameters. We projected the date of the tail autotomy events from growth rates derived from capture–recapture data measurements.We found statistically stable sex ratio in age groups, equal frequency of tail regenerates between sexes, and similar survival rate. Predation risk is similar between sexes, and escape rate increases survival by about 5%. We found low survival rate and a low number of tail autotomy events in females during months when sand lizards mate and lay eggs, indicating high predator pressure throughout reproduction. Our data show that gravid females fail to escape predation.The risks of reproduction season in an ectotherm are a convolution of morphological changes (conspicuous coloration in males and body allometry changes in gravid females), behavior (nuptial displays), and environmental conditions which challenge lizard thermal performance. Performance of endotherm predators in cold spring months endangers gravid females more than displaying males in bright nuptial coloration.

Why Are Snowy Owls White and Why Have They Evolved Distinct Sexual Color Dimorphism? A Review of Questions and Hypotheses

Abstract Many Arctic animals are white throughout their life, or turn white seasonally, with no distinct sexual color dimorphism. Common knowledge assumes these animals are white for camouflage in snow-covered landscapes. Presumably, this camouflage adaptation provides concealment from predators, and conversely, concealment for predation. This adaptation appears to be independent of sex. These theories seem logical; however, natural selection could also favor white coloration for other reasons. The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is unusual because in addition to being white, it also shows sexual color dimorphism. Both sexes exhibit delayed plumage maturation. As yearlings, males and females are heavily marked with brown bars and spots on a white-based plumage. Males and females are believed to become whiter as they age. Males become almost pure white, while females retain brown bars and spots. As adults, males and females are distinctly sexually dimorphic in coloration and plumage patterning. These traits are not consistent with most other species of white Arctic animals, or most other species of owls. Snowy Owls are thought to share a common ancestor with the genus Bubo, especially Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) from North America. This separation took place approximately four million years ago. If true, the evolution of white-based plumage in Snowy Owls was probably the result of natural selection favoring camouflage color in snow-covered environments, as Snowy Owls evolved and expanded into Arctic habitat. However, natural selection in concert or compromise with sexual selection, likely drove the evolution of sexual color dimorphism, and delayed plumage maturation, as a result of a snow-free tundra, and 24 hr of daylight during the breeding season. Natural selection appears to have independently favored different male and female plumage coloration and patterning. I propose that adult females evolved white plumage, interrupted with brown bars and spots, predominately for camouflage. Likewise, I propose that adult males evolved white plumage for at least two social signaling strategies: (1) to advertise their relative age, social status, and genotypic quality to females, and (2) to advertise relative age and social status to other males.

Recognition of Ephedra yangthangensis as a new synonym of E. intermedia (Ephedraceae)

Critical study of the protologue, herbarium and live specimens of Ephedra yangthangensis Prabha Sharma & Rita Singh revealed that this species actually corresponds to E. intermedia. The description of E. yangthangensis as a new species is based on phenotypically plastic characters such as nature of microsporagiophore, size of male strobili and colour of stem, fruit and leaf, which actually fall within the circumscription of E. intermedia. Therefore, here we report E. yangthangensis as a new synonym of E. intermedia. We identify the taxonomic discrepancies in the diagnosis of E. yangthangensis and provide taxonomic keys, description with photographic illustrations of vegetative (habit, stems and leaves), reproductive (cone arrangement and nature) and anatomical characters and enlist the representative herbarium specimens.

Colour Variation in the Crocodile Lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) and Its Relationship to Individual Quality.

Simple SummaryThis study examines colour variation in the highly endangered crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus. Both males and females vary in the extent to which their throats and venters are red. Their colouration is easily visible to a lizard receiver, and we found evidence that colour signals individual quality. Females with red venters had larger heads while females with red throats had greater bite force. In males, redder individuals were older. Finally, we found links between colour and fitness in males but not females. Aspects of male colouration were linked to reproductive output such that they sired offspring from heavier litters. The potential fitness consequences of colour should be considered in captive breeding and release programs.Colour plays a key role in animal social communication including as an indicator of individual quality. Using spectrophotometry, we examined colour variation in the throat and venter of the crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus), an endangered species native to southern China and northern Vietnam. We detected two broad colour variants, individuals with and without red, for each body region and each sex. A cluster analysis of spectral colour measurements (hue, chroma, luminance) revealed discrete throat and ventral morphs when measured in a single snapshot in time. However, photographic evidence revealed that the amount of red relative to body size increased as they got older. Individuals with red were equally likely to be male or female and throat colour was unrelated to ventral colour. Therefore, it is premature to claim that crocodile lizards have discrete colour morphs. We used visual modelling to show that the throat and venter were easily discriminable to a lizard visual system, suggesting they function in social communication. We also asked whether colour variation signalled individual quality. Females with red throats had greater bite force while males with red throats were older. In addition, females with red venters had larger heads. We also detected differences in morphology linked to colour. Females with red throats had slender bodies and longer tails, while individuals lacking red on their throats were stouter and had shorter tails. Finally, throat and ventral colour were unrelated to reproductive output (litter size and mass) in females. Males with greater ventral luminance contrast sired offspring from litters with greater litter mass (including stillborns), while males with greater ventral chromatic contrast sired offspring whose collective live mass (excluding stillborns) was greater. Males with greater luminance contrast also sired more live offspring (excluding stillborns). Collectively, these results suggest that male ventral colour signals individual quality in males. Conservation initiatives should take colour variation into account when planning future captive breeding and release programs for this endangered species.