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Evolution and function of routine trichromatic vision in primates.

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 05:30 authored by P W Lucas, N J Dominy, P Riba-Hernandez, K E Stoner, N Yamashita, C Loría-Calderón, Y Peterson-Pereira, Y Rojas-Durán, R Salas-Pena, S Solis-Madrigal, Daniel Colaco OsorioDaniel Colaco Osorio, B W Darvell
Evolution of the red-green visual subsystem in trichromatic primates has been linked to foraging advantages, namely the detection of either ripe fruits or young leaves amid mature foliage. We tested competing hypotheses globally for eight primate taxa: five with routine trichromatic vision, three without. Routinely trichromatic species ingested leaves that were "red shifted" compared to background foliage more frequently than species lacking this trait. Observed choices were not the reddest possible, suggesting a preference for optimal nutritive gain. There were no similar differences for fruits although red-greenness may sometimes be important in close-range fruit selection. These results suggest that routine trichromacy evolved in a context in which leaf consumption was critical.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Evolution

ISSN

0014-3820

Issue

11

Volume

57

Page range

2636-2643

Pages

8.0

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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