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SUMMARY:Iridescence as Camouflage - Karin Kjernsmo\; University of Bristol
 \, UK
DTSTART:20231121T160000Z
DTEND:20231121T170000Z
UID:TALK205612@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Samuel Matchette
DESCRIPTION:Iridescence is an enigmatic and striking form of structural co
 loration that changes depending on the angle of view\, or angle of illumin
 ation. It is widespread in the animal kingdom\, and can be admired in ever
 ything from the shimmering\, metallic elytra of beetles\, to the mesmerizi
 ng feathers that adorn peacocks and hummingbirds. Bright colours are often
  considered an evolutionary trade-off\; yes\, they may serve an important 
 function as signals in mate choice\, but they might also attract the atten
 tion of a hungry predator. The ‘father’ of modern camouflage theory\, 
 Abbot Thayer\, proposed a surprising idea about the function of iridescenc
 e: that it could work as a highly effective form of camouflage. Thayer’s
  idea is completely counter-intuitive\, how can colours that are both bril
 liant and changeable contribute to an animal’s concealment?\n\nIn this t
 alk\, I will present data to show that biological iridescence\, produced b
 y multilayer cuticular reflectors in real jewel beetle (Sternocera aequisi
 gnata) wing cases\, and in our UK-native Rose chafers (Cetonia aurata) pro
 vides effective protection against predation by birds\, and that the most 
 likely explanation for this is\, indeed\, camouflage. These studies are th
 e first to provide empirical evidence for the century-old hypothesis that 
 iridescence can work as a form of camouflage in a natural setting\, provid
 ing an adaptive explanation for why iridescence has evolved independently 
 so many times.
LOCATION:Part II Lecture Theatre\, Department of Zoology
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