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| Caro, T.; Walker, H.; Santana, S.E.; Stankowich, T. | |
| The evolution of anterior coloration in carnivorans | |
| 2017 Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (71): 1-8 | |
Some carnivorans have striking patches of fur on their faces (spots, bands, eye masks) and blazes on their chests that are primarily visible from a frontal view. We tested five hypotheses to explain the evolution of the complexity and contrast of these color patches. These were: signals of species identity to avoid hybridization, communication between conspecifics, signals used to warn of defensive anal secretions, signals of belligerence or pugnacity, and camouflage-related coloration used to break up the outline and facial features of the predator when approaching prey. Using phylogenetically controlled multifactorial analyses in six different families of carnivorans, examined separately, our analyses uncovered significant positive associations between measures of color pattern complexity and sociality across herpestid faces and canid chests, suggesting use in social communication. Mustelid facial color complexity was associated with ability to direct anal secretions accurately at predators, and facial markings were significantly or marginally associated with pugnacity in mustelids, viverrids, and herpestids. Facial complexity of viverrid and herpestid species was significantly or marginally related to a mammal-based diet. In ursids, facial contrast appeared less variable in species living in greater sympatry with other bears. Facial and chest coloration in Carnivora appears to have evolved under different selection pressures in different families. |
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