The evolutionary importance of ontogenetic change has been noted since Darwin. However, most analyses of phenotypic evolution focus on single landmark ages. Here, we present an inheritance study that quantifies genetic variation in pigmentation across early-age (i.e., birth to 180 days) development in 2 populations of the common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis. The populations are phenotypica...

Many sexually selected traits are thought to be costly to produce, which ensures that they communicate information honestly to conspecifics. Carotenoid pigmentation is classically considered as a costly sexual signal in many fish and birds. It is often argued that carotenoid colours are ‘condition dependent’, with an individual’s nutritional or health state directly determining trait expression...

BACKGROUND Melasma is a common skin pigment disorder with a difficult clinical response to treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the association of Belides, Emblica and Licorice 7%, compared to Hydroquinone 2%, in the treatment of melasma. METHODS After 60 days of exclusive use of an SPF35 sunscreen, 56 women, 18 to 60 years of age, phototypes I to IV, with e...