The presented work investigates various theories about the significance of felid coat patterns. Most of the hypotheses are based on the theory of adaptive function of animal colouration. As regards felids, it is generally believed that the coat pattern has the function of aggressive resemblance. Early testimonies about cryptic properties of colouration of cats are summarized to provide the historical perspective of the problem. Other putative adaptive functions of patterns are investigated (intraspecific communication, thermoregulation) and close attention is paid to the option that the spotted coat of the leopard (Panthera pardus) serves as a cue for recognition from the perspective of prey. In the next stage, some of the hypotheses are tested by statistical means. The problem is simplified into search for association between a given category of a coat pattern (e.g. spots, stripes) and usual habitat of felid species (e.g. forest, grassland). Pagel's test for correlated changes is employed to account for phylogenetic relationships. In addition to broadly acknowledged hypotheses, the validity of proposition that juvenile coat patterns have the function of protective resemblance is tested. Finally, the problem of colouration of felids is linked to broader context of theoretical biology. Apart from prevailing...

Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits under consideration for genetic improvement is becoming more common for many aquatic species, including Atlantic salmon. The objective of the study was to map QTL associated with length, weight, shape, parr mark number and contrast in three F2 hybrid families of European and North American strains of Atlantic salmon using single nucleotide polymorphisms. GridQTL software was used to perform separate analyses for male and female linkage maps. Numerous highly significant QTL were detected for every trait. Locations of QTL differed based on age and map used. Some QTL locations for the analyzed traits were similar to those of other studies on purebred and backcross Atlantic salmon populations; however, many more QTL were detected in the hybrid F2’s. The amount of genetic variation in skin colour and pattern displayed within the transAtlantic F2 families greatly exceeded the ranges seen in nature. / NSERC Strategic Grant