Testing Visual Ecology Hypotheses in Avian Brood Parasite-host Systems: The Role of UV-light Perception and Egg-nest Contrast in Foreign Egg Rejection

Testing visual ecology hypotheses in avian brood parasite-host systems: the role of UV-light perception and egg-nest contrast in foreign egg rejection by Zachary Aidala Adviser: Dr. Mark E. Hauber Color signals are highly important features of animal communication systems, particularly among birds, which possess exquisitely complex visual perception systems. Birds possess tetrachromatic vision, and some species are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Because human and avian visual systems dramatically differ (i.e. humans are not sensitive to UV wavelengths), biologically relevant sensory models are necessary to accurately assess the function of avian color signals. In this dissertation, I primarily use brood parasite-host interactions as a model for studying the behavioral function of avian-perceivable visual stimuli. In Chapter 1, I review the importance of employing biologically relevant sensory-perceptual visual models when testing visual ecology hypotheses. Most models of avian visual space require the input of physiological parameters, such as the relative densities of cone photoreceptors. I also review methodologies that can be employed to increase the accuracy of visual models themselves. One such method is DNA sequencing of the short-wavelength sensitive type 1 (SWS1) opsin to assess the degree of UV-light sensitivity. Avian species possess variable sensitivities to UV wavelengths based on the amino acids present at key ‘spectral tuning’ sites, and DNA sequencing of the SWS1 opsin gene allows for accurate assessment of the photoreceptor opsin’s maximal sensitivity. In Chapters 2 and 3, I report predicted sensitivities to