DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Testing the role of red carotenoid coloration in copepod mate choice

红色是最普遍的动物信号之一。一方面，在择偶过程中，潜在的伴侣可能会对红色进行评估，拥有最亮红色的个体更有可能被选为伴侣。在鸟类和鱼类等动物身上也有证据支持这一观点。另一方面，一些研究发现，红色可能有一种生理功能，例如，作为一种防晒霜，可以防止潜在的有害太阳辐射。这个项目使用桡足类动物（一种像虾一样的小动物，身上长着鲜红的颜色）来测试红色桡足类动物的颜色是(1)配偶质量的信号，(2)遮阳的信号，还是(3)既是质量的信号又是遮阳的信号。本研究的结果将促进对尚未得到很好研究的动物群体的动物颜色的基本认识。此外，研究人员将使用该研究系统为阿拉巴马州四年级到六年级的儿童提供科学培训。通过一个结构良好的项目——get Under The Surface （GUTS）——来自美国一些最缺乏科学的学校系统的家长和孩子们将被邀请参加由教师举办的为期半天的项目。两个项目将在同一个学生/家长团队中进行。明亮的红色桡足动物系统是吸引年轻学生的注意力的理想选择，同时提供了显微镜和基本实验设计培训的机会。红色类胡萝卜素着色是动物中广泛存在的一种装饰形式，大量的经验数据表明，红色着色是个体质量和表现的可靠信号。然而，最受欢迎的脊椎动物系统清楚地表明，通过配偶选择来选择红色类胡萝卜素的颜色，不适合推进该领域所需的生理实验。该项目以桡足Tigriopus copepods为模型，重点研究动物体内产生红色类胡萝卜素的生理限制。研究人员通过控制饮食来改变类胡萝卜素的颜色，并测试桡足类动物的红色是否被用作雄性和雌性择偶的视觉信号，或者红色是否起到了抵抗紫外线辐射的作用。这项行为研究将为解释类胡萝卜素颜色产生的生理研究创造一个关键的背景，并使人们更好地理解桡足类动物的红色，特别是一般动物。

Red colors are among the most widespread forms of animal signals. On one hand, the red coloration may be assessed by potential partners during mate-choice, where individuals with the brightest red color are more likely to be chosen as a mate. Evidence supports this idea in animals such as birds and fish. On the other hand, some research has found that red color may have a physiological function, for example, acting as a sunscreen that offers protection from potentially damaging solar radiation. This project uses copepods, tiny shrimp-like animals with bright red colors, to test whether to examine if red copepod color is (1) a signal of mate quality, (2) a sunscreen, or (3) both a signal of quality and a sunscreen. The results of this research will advance the basic understanding of animal coloration in group of animals that has not been well studied. In addition, the researchers will use this study system to bring science training to Alabama children in fourth through sixth grade. Working through a well-structured program--Getting Under The Surface (GUTS)--teams of parents and children from some of the most science-deficient school systems in the U.S. will be invited to half-day programs run by faculty. Two programs will be run involving the same student/parent teams. The bright red copepod system is ideal for capturing the attention of younger students while offering opportunities for training with microscopes and basic experimental design. Red carotenoid coloration is a widespread form of ornamentation in animals and extensive empirical data show that red coloration is an honest signal of individual quality and performance. However, the most popular vertebrate systems that clearly demonstrate selection for red carotenoid coloration via mate choice are not suitable for the physiological experiments needed to advance the field. The project focuses on physiological constraints on the production of red carotenoids in animals, using Tigriopus copepods as a model. The researchers use diet manipulations to vary carotenoid coloration and to test whether red colors in copepods are used as a visual signal in male and female mate choice, or whether red coloration acts as a protectant against UV radiation. This behavioral research will create a critical context for interpreting physiological research on carotenoid color production and enable better of understanding red coloration in copepods in particular and animals in general.