The role of fruit colour in avian fruit selection: an objective approach

To explain the prevalence of red and black fruits in fruit colour patterns, the following hypotheses were addressed, using reflectance spectra of fruits as colour assessment: 1. Birds prefer red and black fruits, or these hues are cues for food recognition in migrants or fledglings. 2. Fruit colours correlate with chemical compounds. 3. Fruit colours serve as advertisement for ripe fruits. Reflectance spectra are the most objective colour assessment currently possible. Birds show no colour preference, naive blackcaps prefer red fruits and might have a genetic predisposition. Black and white fruits have high tannin content, some red, orange and yellow fruits show high protein contents. The unexplained biological activity of tannins and the unknown avian visual system leave the correlation unclear. Black and red fruits are the most conspicuous fruits. Birds choose more contrasting displays. Thus, conspicuousness influences fruit choice, and fruit colours seem to be an advertisement for ripe fruits.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Oldenburg

Year

2002

Author dc:creator

• Schmidt, Veronika

• [Keine Schlagwörter von Autor/in vergeben.]

Repository record source_url

http://oops.uni-oldenburg.de/300

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oops.uni-oldenburg.de:300