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opencc-by-4.0May 2020View details →

Model-independent inference of laser intensity

Data required to reproduce the figures and analysis given in T. G. Blackburn, E. Gerstmayr, S. P. D. Mangles and M. Marklund, "Model-independent inference of laser intensity", <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1911.02349">arXiv:1911.02349</a> [physics.plasm-ph].

opencc-by-4.0Aug 2020View details →

Independent engineering of individual plasmon modes in plasmonic dimers with conductive and capacitive coupling_experimental dataset

This file contains the raw unprocessed experimental data for the results published in Křápek et al., Independent engineering of individual plasmon modes in plasmonic dimers with conductive and capacitive coupling, Nanophotonics, Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 623–632. .

opencc-zeroSep 2020View details →

Evolution of Rosaceae chloroplast genomes highlights unique Cerasus diversification and independent origins of fruit cherry

Rosaceae plants comprise numerous fruit crops with huge economic values. The lack of genomic characteristics has largely blocked our understanding about the Rosaceae gene and plastome evolution. Here, we analyzed 121 Rosaceae chloroplast (cp) genomes of 51 taxa from 19 genera, predominantly including the Cerasus plants and their relatives. To our knowledge, we generated the first comprehensive map of genomic variation across Rosaceae plastomes. Protein-coding genes of Rosaceae plastomes were characterized with high proportion (over 50%) of synonymous variants and InDels with multiple triplets. Four photosynthesis-related genes were under Darwin selection, which are unique in woody fruit trees of Rosaceae. We detected considerable variations in genome size among Rosaceae plastomes and observed trivial and obvious structural variation in the examined cp genomes of tribes Pyrodae and Amygdaleae. Phylogenomic analyses and molecular dating highlighted the independent evolution of true cherry, dwarf cherry and relatives. Our findings strongly support to taxonomically treat the monophyletic true cherry group as a separate genus excluding dwarf cherry. High levels of genomic differentiation and distinct phylogenetic relationships implied independent origins and domestication between fruit cherries, particularly between cultivated Cerasus psuedocerasus and Cerasus avium. We further proposed an evolutionary model to elucidate multiple genomic introgression events among true cherries occurring since ~15 Mya. Well-resolved maternal phylogeny suggested that the cultivated C. pseudocerasus might be originated from Longmenshan Fault zone, the eastern edge of Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains, where they have subjected to frequent genomic introgression between its presumed wild ancestors and other close relatives. In conclusion, comparative analyses of plastomes and chloroplast genes detected diverse evolutionary behaviors and divergent adaptive selection in Rosaceae. We provide robust evidences for the independent origins and domestication of fruit cherries.

opencc-by-4.0Sep 2020View details →

An independent contribution of colour to the aesthetic preference for paintings

Dataset related to the following publication: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698920301401?dgcid=author#!">Anke MaritAlbers</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698920301401?dgcid=author#!">Karl R.Gegenfurtner</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042698920301401?dgcid=author#!">Sérgio M.C.Nascimento</a>, 2020, "An independent contribution of colour to the aesthetic preference for paintings", <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00426989">Vision Research</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00426989/177/supp/C">Volume 177</a>, December 2020, Pages 109-117 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2020.08.005">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visres.2020.08.005</a>

opencc-zeroOct 2020View details →

Data from: Female mating experience and genetic background independently influence male mating success in fruit flies

When the reproductive interests of males and females conflict, males can evolve traits that are harmful to females, and females can coevolve traits to resist this harm. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, there is genetic variation in female resistance traits, which can affect the pre- and post-mating success of males that try to mate with them. However, it is not clear to what extent the expression of these phenotypes can be modified by environmental factors such as sociosexual experience. Here, we tested how the genetic background of a female and her previous mating experience interact to affect the mating success of focal males. In the experience phase, we placed females from 28 distinct genetic backgrounds individually either with a single male (low conflict) or with three males (high conflict) for 48 hours. In the subsequent test phase, we measured the mating and post-mating fertilization success of focal males paired individually with each female. We found that focal males paired with females from the high conflict treatment were less successful at mating, took longer to mate when they were successful, and had a lower proportion of paternity share. Furthermore, we identified significant female genetic variation associated with male mating success. These results indicate that female experience, along with intrinsic genetic factors, can independently influence different fitness components of her subsequent mates and has implications for our understanding of plastic female mating strategies and the evolution of sexually antagonistic traits in males and females.

opencc-by-4.0Nov 2020View details →

Alterations in gut microbiota do not play a causal role in diet-independent weight gain caused by ovariectomy

These files are associated with the following publication:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaa173">https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaa173</a> And the sequence data are available at the European Nucleotide Archive: PRJEB40801 This link contains the metadata, sequences reads, and analysis files used in the study "Alterations in gut microbiota do not play a causal role in diet-independent weight gain caused by ovariectomy." Alpha_diversity files:     File: AlphaDiversity_analysis_sham_ovex         Description: R statistical analysis file for Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity (Faith's PD) and Observed                      Sequence Variant (SV) alpha diversity metrics     File: faith_pd_sham_ovex         Description: QIIME2 output file for Faith's PD alpha diversity measurements for sham/ovex samples     File: obserevd_svs_sham_ovex         Description: QIIME2 output file for Observed SVs alpha diversity measurements for sham/ovex samples         Beta_diversity files:     File: BetaDiversity_analysis_sham_ovex         Description: R statistical analysis file for beta diversiy metrics     File: merged.sv.sham.ovex         Description: Combined SV table and taxa table for sham/ovex samples       File: sv.sham.ovex         Description: SV table for sham/ovex samples     File: table.sham.ovex.biom         Description: BIOM formated file for combined SV and taxa data. (For import into Phyloseq)     File: tax.sham.ovex         Description: Taxa table for sham/ovex samples     File: tree.nwk         Description: Phylogentic tree for sham/ovex data (For import into Phyloseq)          DeSeq2 Analysis files:     File: merged.sv.sham.ovex.trimmed         Description: Combined SV table and taxa table for sham/ovex samples. SVs found in 4 samples or less removed.       File: sv.table.sham.ovex.trimmed           Description: SV table for sham/ovex samples. SVs found in 4 samples or less removed.     File: sham.ovex.trimmed.biom         Description: BIOM formated file for combined SV and taxa data. SVs found in 4 samples or less removed.(For import into Phyloseq)     File: tax.sham.ovex.trimmed         Description: Taxa table for sham/ovex samples. SVs found in 4 samples or less removed.     File: tree.trimmed.nwk         Description: Phylogentic tree for sham/ovex data. SVs found in 4 samples or less removed. (For import into Phyloseq)     File: Phyloseq.DeSeq2.Ovex.Sham         Description: Log2 Fold change analysis (relative species abundance) done in DESeq2 for time points 1-5.     File: Phyloseq.DeSeq2.Ovex.Sham.week3         Description: Log2 Fold change analysis (relative species abundance) done in DESeq2 for time point 3.     File: Phyloseq.DeSeq2.Ovex.Sham.week4         Description: Log2 Fold change analysis (relative species abundance) done in DESeq2 for time point 4.     File: Phyloseq.DeSeq2.Ovex.Sham.week5         Description: Log2 Fold change analysis (relative species abundance) done in DESeq2 for time point 5.           Mapping_files including metadata (for use with sequences below):     File: ovex_mapping           Description: Mapping file - maps barcodes to samples     File: ovex_mapping_samples removed         Description: Mapping file - maps barcodes to reads. Two samples removed for low sequence count.                         1. Plate2    A08    806rcbc103    GCG AGC GAA GTA CCG GAC TAC HVG GGT WTC TAA T    8    870 (T2)    Ovex    F                         2. Plate2    C02    806rcbc121    GCA ATT AGG TAC CCG GAC TAC HVG GGT WTC TAA T    26    888 (T2)    Co-Sham    O     File: ovex_mapping_sham_ovex_samples removed         Description: Mapping file - maps barcodes to reads. Sham/ovex samples only. One sample removed for low sequence count.                         1. Plate2    A08    806rcbc103    GCG AGC GAA GTA CCG GAC TAC HVG GGT WTC TAA T    8    870 (T2)    Ovex    F                          QIIME2 Script: File: QIIME2_sham_ovex     Description: This file includes the commands used in the QIIME2 pipeline.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

Data from: Reduced crossover interference and increased ZMM-independent recombination in the absence of Tel1/ATM

Meiotic recombination involves the repair of double-strand break (DSB) precursors as crossovers (COs) or noncrossovers (NCOs). The proper number and distribution of COs is critical for successful chromosome segregation and formation of viable gametes. In budding yeast the majority of COs occurs through a pathway dependent on the ZMM proteins (Zip2-Zip3-Zip4-Spo16, Msh4-Msh5, Mer3), which form foci at CO-committed sites. Here we show that the DNA-damage-response kinase Tel1/ATM limits ZMM-independent recombination. By whole-genome mapping of recombination products, we find that lack of Tel1 results in higher recombination and reduced CO interference. Yet the number of Zip3 foci in tel1Δ cells is similar to wild type, and these foci show normal interference. Analysis of recombination in a tel1Δ zip3Δ double mutant indicates that COs are less dependent on Zip3 in the absence of Tel1. Together these results reveal that in the absence of Tel1, a significant proportion of COs occurs through a non-ZMM-dependent pathway, contributing to a CO landscape with poor interference. We also see a significant change in the distribution of all detectable recombination products in the absence of Tel1, Sgs1, Zip3, or Msh4, providing evidence for altered DSB distribution. These results support the previous finding that DSB interference depends on Tel1, and further suggest an additional level of DSB interference created through local repression of DSBs around CO-designated sites.

Data from: Identification of glucose kinase dependent and independent pathways for carbon control of primary metabolism, development and antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor by quantitative proteomics

Members of the soil-dwelling prokaryotic genus Streptomyces are indispensable for the recycling of complex polysaccharides, and produce a wide range of natural products. Nutrient availability is a major determinant for the switch to development and antibiotic production in streptomycetes. Carbon catabolite repression (CCR), a main signaling pathway underlying this phenomenon, was so far considered fully dependent on the glycolytic enzyme glucose kinase (Glk). Here we provide evidence of a novel Glk-independent pathway in Streptomyces coelicolor, using advanced proteomics that allowed the comparison of the expression of some 2,000 proteins, including virtually all enzymes for central metabolism. While CCR and inducer exclusion of enzymes for primary and secondary metabolism and precursor supply for natural products is mostly mediated via Glk, enzymes for the urea cycle, as well as for biosynthesis of the γ-butyrolactone Scb1 and the responsive cryptic polyketide Cpk are subject to Glk-independent CCR. Deletion of glkA led to strong downregulation of biosynthetic proteins for prodigionin and calcium-dependent antibiotic (CDA) in mannitol-grown cultures. Repression of bldB, bldN, and its target bldM explains the poor development of S. coelicolor on solid-grown cultures containing glucose. A new model for carbon catabolite repression in streptomycetes is presented.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: Impacts of genetic correlation on the independent evolution of body mass and skeletal size in mammals

Mammals show a predictable scaling relationship between limb bone size and body mass. This relationship has a genetic basis which likely evolved via natural selection but it is unclear how much the genetic correlation between these traits in turn impacts their capacity to evolve independently. We selectively bred laboratory mice for increases in tibia length independent of body mass to test the hypothesis that a genetic correlation with body mass constrains evolutionary change in tibia length. Over 14 generations we produced mean tibia length increases of 11-12% while mean body mass was unchanged in selectively bred mice and random-bred controls. Using evolutionary scenarios with different selection and quantitative genetic parameters we also found that this genetic correlation impedes the rate of evolutionary change in both traits slowing increases in tibia length while preventing decreases in body mass despite the latter's negative effect on fitness. Overall results from this ongoing selection experiment suggest that parallel evolution of relatively longer hind limbs among rodents for example in the context of strong competition for resources and niche partitioning in heterogeneous environments may have occurred very rapidly on geological timescales in spite of the genetic correlation between tibia length and body mass.

Data from: Chromosome number evolves independently of genome size in a clade with non-localized centromeres (Carex: Cyperaceae)

The effects of chromosome rearrangement on genome size are poorly understood. While chromosome duplications and deletions have predictable effects on genome size, chromosome fusion, fission, and translocation do not. In this study, we investigate genome size and chromosome number evolution in 87 species of Carex, one of the most species-rich genera of flowering plants and one that has undergone an exceptionally high rate of chromosome rearrangement. Using phylogenetic generalized least squares regression, we find that the correlation between chromosome number and genome size in the genus grades from flat or weakly positive at fine phylogenetic scales to weakly negative at deeper phylogenetic scales. The rate of chromosome evolution exhibits a significant increase near the crown of a species-rich clade that arose approximately 5 million years ago. Genome size evolution, however, demonstrates a nearly constant rate across the entire tree. We hypothesize that this decoupling of genome size from chromosome number helps explain the high lability of chromosome number in the genus, as it reduces indirect selection on chromosome number.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Parental care and sibling competition independently increase phenotypic variation among burying beetle siblings

Several recent hypotheses suggest that parental care can influence the extent of phenotypic variation within populations; however, there have been few tests of these ideas. We exploited the facultative nature of post-hatching parental care in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides, to test whether parental care influences the expression of phenotypic variation in an important fitness trait (body size). We found that parental care and brood size (which influences sibling competition) had positive and independent effects on variation in body size. First, the mean coefficient of variation (CV) of body size was significantly greater in broods that received care than in those that did not. Second, CV body size increased with brood size in both parental care treatments. These results are not consistent with predictions from recent hypotheses that predict parental care will reduce phenotypic variation among siblings. The positive effects of parental care and brood size on phenotypic variation that we observed are likely due to sibling competition for access to provisioning parents and competition for limiting resources contained in the breeding carcass. Our results suggest that future theory linking parental care to the generation and maintenance of phenotypic variation must integrate the nature of interactions among family members.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Simultaneous age-dependent and age-independent sexual selection in the lekking black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)

Individuals' reproductive success is often strongly associated with their age, with typical patterns of early-life reproductive improvement and late-life senescence. These age-related patterns are due to the inherent trade-offs between life-history traits competing for a limited amount of resources available to the organisms. In males, such trade-offs are exacerbated by the resource requirements associated with the expression of costly sexual traits, leading to dynamic changes in trait expression throughout their life span. Due to the age dependency of male phenotypes, the relationship between the expression of male traits and mating success can also vary with male age. Hence, using longitudinal data in a lekking species with strong sexual selection – the black grouse Lyrurus tetrix – we quantified the effects of age, life span and age of first lek attendance (AFL) on male annual mating success (AMS) to separate the effects of within-individual improvement and senescence on AMS from selective (dis)appearance of certain phenotypes. Then, we used male AMS to quantify univariate and multivariate sexual selection gradients on male morphological and behavioural traits with and without accounting for age and age-related effects of other traits. Male AMS increased with age, and there was no significant reproductive senescence. Most males never copulated, and of the ones that did, the majority had only one successful year. Life span was unrelated to AMS, but early AFL tended to lead to higher AMS at ages 1–3. AMS was related to most morphological and behavioural traits when male age was ignored. Accounting for age and age-specific trait effects (i.e. the interaction between a trait and age) reduced the magnitude of the selection gradients and revealed that behavioural traits are under consistent sexual selection, while sexual selection on morphological traits is stronger in old males. Therefore, sexual selection in black grouse operates primarily on male behaviour and morphological traits may act as additional cues to supplement female choice. These results demonstrate the multifaceted influence of age on both fitness and sexual traits and highlight the importance of accounting for such effects when quantifying sexual selection.

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Drosophila clock is required in brain pacemaker neurons to prevent premature locomotor aging independently of its circadian function

Circadian clocks control many self-sustained rhythms in physiology and behavior with approximately 24-hour periodicity. In many organisms, oxidative stress and aging negatively impact the circadian system and sleep. Conversely, loss of the clock decreases resistance to oxidative stress, and may reduce lifespan and speed up brain aging and neurodegeneration. Here we examined the effects of clock disruptions on locomotor aging and longevity in Drosophila. We found that lifespan was similarly reduced in three arrhythmic mutants (ClkAR, cyc0 and tim0) and in wild-type flies under constant light, which stops the clock. In contrast, ClkAR mutants showed significantly faster age-related locomotor deficits (as monitored by startle-induced climbing) than cyc0 and tim0, or than control flies under constant light. Reactive oxygen species accumulated more with age in ClkAR mutant brains, but this did not appear to contribute to the accelerated locomotor decline of the mutant. Clk, but not Cyc, inactivation by RNA interference in the pigment-dispersing factor (PDF)-expressing central pacemaker neurons led to similar loss of climbing performance as ClkAR. Conversely, restoring Clk function in these cells was sufficient to rescue the ClkAR locomotor phenotype, independently of behavioral rhythmicity. Accelerated locomotor decline of the ClkAR mutant required expression of the PDF receptor and correlated to an apparent loss of dopaminergic neurons in the posterior protocerebral lateral 1 (PPL1) clusters. This neuronal loss was rescued when the ClkAR mutation was placed in an apoptosis-deficient background. Impairing dopamine synthesis in a single pair of PPL1 neurons that innervate the mushroom bodies accelerated locomotor decline in otherwise wild-type flies. Our results therefore reveal a novel circadian-independent requirement for Clk in brain circadian neurons to maintain a subset of dopaminergic cells and avoid premature locomotor aging in Drosophila.

opencc-zeroDec 2012View details →

Data from: Selection on Polemonium brandegeei (Polemoniaceae) flowers under hummingbird pollination: in opposition, parallel, or independent of selection by hawkmoths?

Particular floral phenotypes are often associated with specific groups of pollinators. However, flowering plants are often visited, and may be effectively pollinated by more than one type of animal. Therefore, a major outstanding question in floral biology asks: what is the nature of selection on floral traits when pollinators are diverse? This study examined how hummingbirds selected on the floral traits of Polemonium brandegeei, a species pollinated by both hummingbirds and hawkmoths. In array populations of P. brandegeei, we measured pollen movement, and female (seeds set) and male (seeds sired) fitness under hummingbird pollination. We then compared the patterns of selection by hummingbirds with our previous study examining selection by hawkmoths. We documented contrasting selection on sex organ positioning through female function, with hummingbirds selecting for stigmas exserted beyond the anthers and hawkmoths selecting for stigmas recessed below the anthers. Furthermore, hummingbirds selected for longer and wider corolla tubes, and hawkmoths selected for narrower corolla tubes. Therefore, contrasting selection by hawkmoths and hummingbirds may account for variation in sex organ arrangements and corolla dimensions in P. brandegeei. We documented how floral traits under selection by multiple pollinators can result in either an intermediate "compromise" between selective pressures (sex organs) or apparent specialization (corolla tube length) to one pollinator.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Delayed dispersal and the costs and benefits of different routes to independent breeding in a cooperatively breeding bird

Why sexually mature individuals stay in groups as nonreproductive subordinates is central to the evolution of sociality and cooperative breeding. To understand such delayed dispersal, its costs and benefits need to be compared with those of permanently leaving to float through the population. However, comprehensive comparisons, especially regarding differences in future breeding opportunities, are rare. Moreover, extraterritorial prospecting by philopatric individuals has generally been ignored, even though the factors underlying this route to independent breeding may differ from those of strict philopatry or floating. We use a comprehensive predictive framework to explore how various costs, benefits and intrinsic, environmental and social factors explain philopatry, prospecting, and floating in Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Not only floaters more likely obtained an independent breeding position before the next season than strictly philopatric individuals, but also suffered higher mortality. Prospecting yielded similar benefits to floating but lower mortality costs, suggesting that it is overall more beneficial than floating and strict philopatry. While prospecting is probably individual-driven, although limited by resource availability, floating likely results from eviction by unrelated breeders. Such differences in proximate and ultimate factors underlying each route to independent breeding highlight the need for simultaneous consideration when studying the evolution of delayed dispersal.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: An investigation for population maintenance mechanism in a miniature garden: genetic connectivity or independence of small islet populations of the Ryukyu five-lined skink

The Ryukyu five-lined skink (Plestiodon marginatus) is an island lizard that is even found in tiny islets with less than half a hectare of habitat area. We hypothesized that the island populations are maintained under frequent gene flow among the islands or independent of each other. To test our hypotheses, we investigated genetic structure of 21 populations from 11 land-bridge islands that were connected during the latest glacial age, and four isolated islands. Analyses using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence (n = 67) and 10 microsatellite loci (n = 235) revealed moderate to high levels of genetic differentiation, existence of many private alleles/haplotypes in most islands, little contemporary migration, a positive correlation between genetic variability and island area, and a negative correlation between relatedness and island area. These evidences suggest a strong effect of independent genetic drift as opposed to gene flow, favoring the isolation hypothesis even in tiny islet populations. Isolation-by-distance effect was demonstrated and it became more prominent when the four isolated islands were excluded, suggesting that the pattern is a remnant of the land-bridge age. In a few island populations, however, the possibility of occasional overwater dispersals was partially supported and therefore could not be ruled out.

Data from: Independence among physiological traits suggests flexibility in the face of ecological demands on phenotypes

Phenotypic flexibility allows animals to adjust their physiology to diverse environmental conditions encountered over the year. Examining how these varying traits covary gives insights into potential constraints or freedoms that may shape evolutionary trajectories. In this study we examined relationships among hematocrit, baseline corticosterone concentration, constitutive immune function and basal metabolic rate in red knot Calidris canutus islandica individuals subjected to experimentally manipulated temperature treatments over an entire annual cycle. If covariation among traits is constrained, we predict consistent covariation within and among individuals. We further predict consistent correlations between physiological and metabolic traits if constraints underlie species level patterns found along the slow-fast pace-of-life continuum. We found no consistent correlations among hematocrit, baseline corticosterone concentration, immune function and basal metabolic rate either within or among individuals. This provides no evidence for constraints limiting relationships among these measures of the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and metabolic systems in individual red knots. Rather, our data suggest that knots are free to adjust individual parts of their physiology independently. This makes good sense if one places the animal within its ecological context where different aspects of the environment might put different pressures on different aspects of physiology.

opencc-zeroAug 2019View details →

Data from: Twin introductions by independent invader mussel lineages are both associated with recent admixture with a native congener in Australia

Introduced species can impose profound impacts on the evolution of receiving communities with which they interact. If native and introduced taxa remain reproductively semi-isolated, human-mediated secondary contact may promote genetic exchange across newly created hybrid zones, potentially impacting native genetic diversity and invasive species spread. Here, we investigate the contributions of recent divergence histories and ongoing (post-introduction) gene flow between the invasive marine mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis and a morphologically indistinguishable and taxonomically contentious native Australian taxon, Mytilus planulatus. Using transcriptome-wide markers, we demonstrate that two contemporary M. galloprovincialis introductions into southeastern Australia originate from genetically divergent lineages from its native range in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Europe, where both introductions have led to repeated instances of admixture between introduced and endemic populations. Through increased genome-wide resolution of species relationships, combined with demographic modelling, we validate that mussels sampled in Tasmania are representative of the endemic Australian taxon (M. planulatus), but share strong genetic affinities to M. galloprovincialis. Demographic inferences indicate late-Pleistocene divergence times and historical gene flow between the Tasmanian endemic lineage and northern M. galloprovincialis, suggesting that native and introduced taxa have experienced a period of historical isolation of at least 100,000 years. Our results demonstrate that many genomic loci and sufficient sampling of closely related lineages in both sympatric (e.g., Australian populations) and allopatric (e.g., northern-hemisphere Mytilus taxa) ranges are necessary to accurately (i) interpret patterns of intraspecific differentiation and to (ii) distinguish contemporary invasive introgression from signatures left by recent divergence histories in high dispersal marine species. More broadly, our study fills a significant gap in systematic knowledge of native Australian biodiversity and sheds light on the intrinsic challenges for invasive species research when native and introduced species boundaries are not well-defined.

Data from: Independent sources of condition dependency and multiple pathways determine a composite trait: lessons from carotenoid-based plumage colouration

Many color ornaments are composite traits consisting of at least four components, which themselves may be more complex, determined by independent evolutionary pathways, and potentially being under different environmental control. To date, little evidence exists that several different components of color elaboration are condition-dependent and no direct evidence exists that different ornamental components are affected by different sources of variation. For example, in carotenoid-based plumage coloration, one of the best-known condition-dependent ornaments, color elaboration stems from both condition-dependent pigment concentration and structural components. Some environmental flexibility of these components has been suggested, but specifically which and how they are affected remains unknown. Here we tested whether multiple color components may be condition-dependent, by using a comprehensive 3 x 2 experimental design, in which we carotenoid supplemented and immune challenged great tit nestlings (Parus major) and quantified effects on different components of coloration. Plumage coloration was affected by an interaction between carotenoid availability and immune challenge. Path analyses showed that carotenoid supplementation increased plumage saturation via feather carotenoid concentration and via mechanisms unrelated to carotenoid-deposition, while immune challenge affected feather length, but not carotenoid concentration. Thus, independent condition-dependent pathways, affected by different sources of variation, determine color elaboration. This provides opportunities for the evolution of multiple signals within components of ornamental traits. This finding indicates that the selective forces shaping the evolution of different components of a composite trait and the trait's signal content may be more complex than believed so far, and that holistic approaches are required for drawing comprehensive evolutionary conclusions.