Research into the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on terrestrial ecosystems remains a
relatively new discipline that is currently split into two broad themes: the effects of increased …

Understanding how the spectacular diversity of colour patterns on butterfly wings is shaped
by natural selection, and how particular pattern elements are generated, has been the focus …

Several classes of pigments impart flamboyant colours on animals, including the red, orange
and yellow carotenoids. Carotenoid-based colours have served as ideal models for studying …

Sexual and natural selection pressures are thought to shape the characteristic wing patterns
of butterfly species. Here we test whether sexual selection by female choice plays a role in …

The demands of long-distance flight represent an important evolutionary force operating on
the traits of migratory species. Monarchs are widespread butterflies known for their annual …

Phenotypic plasticity was once seen primarily as a constraint on adaptive evolution or
merely a nuisance by geneticists. However, some biologists promote plasticity as a source of …

Ultraviolet is an important component of the photic environment. It is used by a wide variety
of animals and plants in mutualistic communication, especially in insect and flower inter …

Flavonoids are natural polyhydroxylated compounds with proved positive impact on human
health. However, majority of the evidence relates to in vitro properties. In literature, attention …

Butterflies are among nature's most colourful animals, and provide a living showcase for
how extremely bright, chromatic and iridescent coloration can be generated by complex …

Many coral reef fish possess ultraviolet (UV) colour patterns. The behavioural significance of
these patterns is poorly understood and experiments on this issue have not been reported …