My friend Mathias is one of the two first authors of a paper in this week's Science magazine. Congratulations, Mathias!
Bright Shiny Flowers
The study of flower color has primarily focused on chemical pigmentation. Whitney et al. (p. 130) explore how the structural features on the petal surface of a tulip flower generate color independently of chemical pigmentation via iridescence. Floral iridescence may result in an ultraviolet signal that is visible to insects. Bumblebees can learn to use information from iridescence to select among potential food sources. Thus, iridescence may contribute to plant-pollinator interactions.
Abstract: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/323/5910/130
Full Text: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/323/5910/130
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