Abstract
Vertebrates exhibit a wide range of color patterns, which play critical roles in mediating intra- and interspecific communication. Because of their di-versity and visual accessibility, color patterns offer a unique and fascinating window into the processes underlying biological organization. In this re-view, we focus on describing many of the general principles governing the formation and evolution of color patterns in different vertebrate groups. We characterize the types of patterns, review the molecular and developmental mechanisms by which they originate, and discuss their role in constraining or facilitating evolutionary change. Lastly, we outline outstanding questions in the field and discuss different approaches that can be used to address them. Overall, we provide a unifying conceptual framework among vertebrate sys-tems that may guide research into naturally evolved mechanisms underlying color pattern formation and evolution.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 135-156 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Annual review of genetics |
| Volume | 57 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 27 2023 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Genetics
Keywords
- color patterns
- coloration
- pattern formation
- pigmentation