2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Trade-offs between camouflage effect and thermoregulation in cryptic coloration
| Project/Area Number |
23770014
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Field |
Ecology/Environment
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| Research Institution | University of the Ryukyus (2013)
Hirosaki University (2011-2012) |
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Principal Investigator |
TSURUI Kaori 琉球大学, 農学部, 研究員 (00598344)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2011 – 2013
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| Keywords | 隠蔽色 / 色斑多型 / 頻度クライン / トレードオフ / 体温調節 / 性的サイズ二型 / ハラヒシバッタ Tetrix japonica |
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| Research Abstract |
Morph ratio clines were used to determine whether trade-offs between body size and thermoregulation were involved in the evolution of cryptic coloration in a polymorphic pygmy grasshopper Tetrix japonica. The black markings on the pronotum are absent in some males, although the markings increase their camouflage effects. As larger grasshoppers are less cryptic, it is critical to enhance the effectiveness of their camouflage via markings. On the other hand, the markings increase the risk of overheating. The present study revealed morph ratio clines in males with a greater prevalence of morphs with black marks in colder regions. However, there was no relationship between the body size of males and the morph ratio. These results suggest that reducing overheating costs is more important than enhancing the camouflage effects in males. The trade-offs between camouflage effects and thermoregulation would partly explain the evolution of cryptic body-color polymorphism.
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