Birds-of-Paradise Reveal New Dimension: Biofluorescence Discovered
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📰 The quick summary: Birds-of-paradise exhibit widespread biofluorescence under UV light, adding a hidden layer to their mating displays that enhances visual communication between the species.
📈 One key stat: 37 out of 45 known birds-of-paradise species display biofluorescence, revealing this remarkable trait is present in over 80% of these birds.
💬 One key quote: “It seems fitting that these flashy birds are likely signaling to each other in additional, flashy ways,” said study lead author Rene Martin.
1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists have discovered an entirely new dimension to how birds-of-paradise communicate – they glow under ultraviolet light. This phenomenon, called biofluorescence, occurs when the birds absorb light and re-emit it as a different color, creating bright green-yellow patterns. The glowing effect is especially prominent in male birds’ bright plumage, bills, and feet – areas they highlight during courtship displays. For females, the glow is usually limited to chest and belly feathers. This discovery suggests these already spectacular birds have an additional hidden layer of visual signals that only they can see.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This finding opens up exciting new possibilities for understanding animal communication and evolution. The discovery shows nature has even more complexity and beauty than previously known, with these birds developing sophisticated visual signals invisible to the human eye. The research provides new insights into how species evolve distinct ways to communicate and attract mates. The preserved specimens dating back to the 1800s still display this trait, demonstrating the remarkable durability of these biological features and their value for ongoing scientific discoveries.
3️⃣ What’s next: Scientists plan to study how the birds’ eyes process these fluorescent signals and what role the glowing patterns play in mate selection. Research will examine if different species have distinct fluorescent signatures and how this trait evolved across the bird family. The team hopes to conduct field studies to observe how the birds use these signals in their natural forest habitat.
Read the full story here: SciTechDaily – Scientists Discover Biofluorescence in Birds-of-Paradise, Revealing a Hidden Layer of Mating Displays
