Send paradise birds secret color signals that people cannot see
Send paradise birds secret color signals that people cannot see
Many bird species - including Kolibris, peacocks and parrots - impress with their lively colors, but the Paradiese Vögel sting especially with their dazzling tones in emeralds, Lemon yellow, cobalt blue and ruby black. The latest research now shows that these amazing birds also send secret color signals that are invisible to the human eye.
The fascinating biofluorescence of the birds of paradise
The plumage and the body parts of the paradise birds shine in certain areas when they are viewed under blue and ultraviolet (UV) light. They appear in bright green and yellow tones. Scientists reported in a latest study that was published on February 12th in Journal Royal Society Open Science Findings.
biofluorescence: a unique phenomenon
living organisms create light in two ways: organic lines and biofluorescence. Bioluminescence , for example, requires a chemical reaction on which the molecules luciferin and Luciferase are involved. In contrast, biofluorescent beings create their light through structures that absorb energy -rich light waves and then release them again in a lower wavelength.
secret signals in the jungle
The researchers identified biofluorescence in 37 of the 45 known paradise species, which occur exclusively in remote tropical forests and wooden habitats of Papua New Guinea, East Indonesia and parts of Australia. Under blue and UV light, the white and bright yellow plumage of these birds radiates colors that may be used in territorial clashes or when looking for a partner, as the study shows.
The special eyesight of the birds
birds are known for their extraordinary color vision. Many bird species-including pigeons, turkey, ducks and geese-can see in the UV-spectrum . However, little is known about the eyesight of the birds of paradise. However, some closely related lines, including the genus Corvus (crows and ravens) and the genus Rhipidura (fan tails), are known for the fact that they are sensitive to Violet light waves react. For these birds, fluorescent markings such as a lighthouse in the dark would shine, the authors of the study report.
A look at the dark side of the color
Although paradise birds are known for their dramatic colors, the biofluorescent aspect of their visual communication has so far been unexplored and raises new questions about how these birds use visual signals, says Dr. Rene Martin, the main author of the study.
research on the dazzling world of birds
soon becomes clear that there are much more biofluorescent species than previously assumed. Dr. John Sparks, a curator in the Department of Ichthyology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, identified biofluorescence in numerous fish species more than a decade ago. Since then he has questioned how widespread this characteristic is in other animals. Access to an extensive collection of bird preparations at the museum and an in -depth examination with blue light finally confirmed his assumptions about birds of paradise.
a new light on evolution
The scientists removed the birds in a lightless space, photographed them and measured their light emissions. Depending on the species, the fluorescence occurred on different parts of the body, such as bellies, breasts, heads and necks. Some birds showed shining springs, shimmering beaks or glowing areas inside their mouths.
The importance of biofluorescence for science and technology
From the over 11,000 Bird species only show a few groups fluorescence. Some scientists suspect that birds of paradise and parrots use this ability for communication or reproductive ads. Studying the biofluorescence is crucial to clarify how different groups have developed to communicate. These findings could also contribute to medical or technological advances.
It is very likely that if biofluorescence occurs in many ways of life, this has useful implications for the individuals they train.
Mindy Weisberger is science journalist and media producer, whose work in Live Science, Scientific American and How IT Works were published.