Fine structural dependence of ultraviolet reflections in the King Penguin beak horn - Ecole Nationale du Génie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement de Strasbourg Accéder directement au contenu
Article Dans Une Revue The Anatomical record. Part A, Discoveries in molecular, cellular, and evolutionary biology Année : 2006

Fine structural dependence of ultraviolet reflections in the King Penguin beak horn

Résumé

The visual perception of many birds extends into the near-ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and ultraviolet is used by some to communicate. The beak horn of the King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) intensely reflects in the ultraviolet and this appears to be implicated in partner choice. In a preliminary study, we recently demonstrated that this ultraviolet reflectance has a structural basis, resulting from crystal-like photonic structures, capable of reflecting in the near-UV. The present study attempted to define the origin of the photonic elements that produce the UV reflectance and to better understand how the UV signal is optimized by their fine structure. Using light and electron microscopic analysis combined with new spectrophotometric data, we describe here in detail the fine structure of the entire King Penguin beak horn in addition to that of its photonic crystals. The data obtained reveal a one-dimensional structural periodicity within this tissue and demonstrate a direct relationship between its fine structure and its function. In addition, they suggest how the photonic structures are produced and how they are stabilized. The measured lattice dimensions of the photonic crystals, together with morphological data on its composition, permit predictions of the wavelength of reflected light. These correlate well with experimentally observed values. The way the UV signal is optimized by the fine structure of the beak tissue is discussed with regard to its putative biological role.

Dates et versions

hal-02168828 , version 1 (29-06-2019)

Identifiants

Citer

Birgitta Dresp, Keith Langley. Fine structural dependence of ultraviolet reflections in the King Penguin beak horn. The Anatomical record. Part A, Discoveries in molecular, cellular, and evolutionary biology, 2006, 288A (3), pp.213-222. ⟨10.1002/ar.a.20314⟩. ⟨hal-02168828⟩
18 Consultations
0 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More