Function and Underlying Mechanisms of Seasonal Color Molting in Mammals and Birds: What Keeps Them Changing in a Warming World?

    March 2018 in “ Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society ”
    Markéta Zímová, Klaus Hackländer, Jeffrey M. Good, José Melo‐Ferreira, Paulo C. Alves, L. Scott Mills
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    TLDR Animals that change color with the seasons mainly do so in response to daylight changes, but climate change is causing camouflage problems that may require evolutionary changes.
    The document reviewed the adaptive value and mechanisms of seasonal coat colour (SCC) moulting in over 20 species of birds and mammals, which change colour biannually for camouflage against snow. The study found that photoperiod is the primary driver of moult phenology, and while there are some similarities in hair growth and neuroendocrine control among mammals, the mechanisms in birds differ and are less understood. The review highlighted the negative impact of climate change on camouflage due to reduced snow cover, suggesting that these species have limited plasticity in adjusting their moulting patterns. Therefore, evolutionary adaptation will be necessary to prevent camouflage mismatch, and a detailed understanding of SCC moulting is crucial for effective population management in the face of climate change.
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