Exposure to UV radiance predicts repeated evolution of concealed black skin in birds
In contrast to bird plumage, little is known about the evolution of bird skin color. Here, Nicolaï et al. find that black skin has evolved over 100 times in birds and is associated with baldness and/or white feathers as well as with high irradiation habitats, suggesting a role in UV protection.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Publishing Group
2020-05-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15894-6 |