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L'un des phénomènes les plus importants survenus pendant la maturation du fruit de tomate est le changement de couleur du vert au rouge. Ce changement a lieu dans les plastes et correspond à la différenciation des plastes photosynthétiques, les chloroplastes, en plastes non-photosynthétiques qui accumulent des caroténoïdes, les chromoplastes. Dans cette thèse, nous présentons d'abord une introduction bibliographique sur le domaine de la transition chloroplaste-chromoplaste, en décrivant les modifications structurales et physiologiques qui se produisent pendant la transition. Puis, dans le premier chapitre, nous présentons des observations microscopiques de plastes isolés à trois stades de mûrissement, puis des enregistrements en temps réel de la fluorescence des pigments sur les tranches de fruits de tomate. Il a été possible de montrer que la transition chloroplaste-chromoplaste était synchrone pour tous les plastes d'une seule cellule et que tous les chromoplastes proviennent de chloroplastes préexistants. Dans le deuxième chapitre, une approche protéomique quantitative de la transition chloroplaste-chromoplaste est présentée, pour identifier les protéines différentiellement exprimées. Le traitement des données a identifié 1932 protéines parmi lesquelles 1529 ont été quantifiées par spectrométrie de masse. Les procédures de quantification ont ensuite été validées par WESTERN blot de certaines protéines. La chromoplastogénèse comprend les changements métaboliques suivants : diminution de l'abondance des protéines de réaction à la lumière et du métabolisme des glucide, et l'augmentation de la biosynthèse des terpénoïdes et des protéines de stress. Ces changements sont couplés à la rupture de la biogenèse des thylakoïdes, des photosystèmes et des composants de production d'énergie, et l'arrêt de la division des plastes. Dans le dernier chapitre nous avons utilisé la lincomycine, un inhibiteur spécifique de la traduction à l'intérieur des plastes, afin d'étudier les effets sur la maturation des fruits et sur l'expression de gènes nucléaires impliqués dans la maturation. Les résultats préliminaires indiquent que l'inhibition de la traduction des protéines dans les plastes affecte la maturation du fruit en réduisant l'accumulation de caroténoides. L'expression de plusieurs gènes nucléaires a été modifiée mais une relation claire avec le phénotype altéré de maturation n'a pas pu être établie. Au total, notre travail donne de nouveaux aperçus sur le processus de différenciation chromoplaste et fournit des données nouvelles ressources sur le protéome plaste / One of the most important phenomenons occurring during tomato fruit ripening is the color change from green to red. This change takes place in the plastids and corresponds to the differentiation of photosynthetic plastids, chloroplasts, into non photosynthetic plastids that accumulate carotenoids, chromoplasts. In this thesis we first present a bibliographic introduction reviewing the state of the art in the field of chloroplast to chromoplast transition and describing the structural and physiological changes occurring during the transition. Then, in the first chapter we present an in situ real-time recording of pigment fluorescence on live tomato fruit slices at three ripening stages. By viewing individual plastids it was possible to show that the chloroplast to chromoplast transition was synchronous for all plastids of a single cell and that all chromoplasts derived from pre-existing chloroplasts. In chapter two, a quantitative proteomic approach of the chloroplast-to-chromoplast transition is presented that identifies differentially expressed proteins. Stringent curation and processing of the data identified 1932 proteins among which 1529 were quantified by spectral counting. The quantification procedures have been subsequently validated by immune-blot evaluation of some proteins. Chromoplastogenesis appears to comprise major metabolic shifts (decrease in abundance of proteins of light reactions and carbohydrate metabolism and increase in terpenoid biosynthesis and stress-related protein) that are coupled to the disruption of the thylakoid and photosystems biogenesis machinery, elevated energy production components and loss of plastid division machinery. In the last chapter, we have used lincomycin, a specific inhibitor of protein translation within the plastids, in order to study the effects on fruit ripening and on the expression of some ripening-related nuclear genes. Preliminary results indicate that inhibiting protein translation in the plastids affects fruit ripening by reducing the accumulation of carotenoids. The expression of several nuclear genes has been affected but a clear relationship with the altered ripening phenotype could not be established. Altogether, our work gives new insights on the chromoplast differentiation process and provides novel resource data on the plastid proteome

Social monogamy, closely associated with bi-parental care, is the most frequent pairing system found in birds. Because females invest more into the reproduction, they are usually considered to be the sex that chooses the partner. To satisfy female preferences in the mate choice males in various species developed a number of traits that signalize their quality. What qualities are signaled by these traits and what mechanisms are responsible for the emergence, development and maintenance of these traits is the subject of a number of evolutionary- ecological studies. By pairing with an appropriate male female can obtain direct or indirect benefits to its own fitness. The good parent theory suggests that male secondary sexual traits signalize male ability to provide parental care (a direct benefit). An indirect benefit is presented by the quality of the genetic material that the female obtains from male for her offspring. According to the good genes hypothesis females use secondary male ornamentation to assess genetic quality of males. One of the most studied secondary sexual ornaments that can advertise male quality and may be used in mate choice by females is the plumage colouration. In many avian species there is sexual dimorphism in the plumage colouration and there is also growing evidence that...

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o aproveitamento do hidrolisado de cascas de mandioca para produção de pigmentos carotenoides. Para isso, foi realizado o isolamento de leveduras provenientes da Região Amazônica, caracterização das cascas de mandioca e obtenção dos hidrolisados por via ácida (HA) e enzimática (HE). Por fim, foram avaliados o efeito da relação C:N e da luminosidade sobre a produção de carotenoides pelas leveduras previamente selecionadas nos hidrolisados. Os extratos carotenogênicos foram caracterizados quanto ao potencial anti-oxidante e antimicrobiano, sendo ainda avaliado o uso da biomassa seca como agente pigmentante em um material polimérico. Foram isoladas sete colônias pigmentadas (4 do solo, 2 de água e 1 de fruto), as quais foram identificadas como pertencentes ao gênero Rhodotorula. Com relação as cascas de mandioca, o principal componente em % m/m foi o amido (71,0), seguido da lignina (13,0), glucana (4,6), xilana (2,4), cinzas (2,6) e extrativos (4,6). Na melhor condição de hidrólise ácida (1% H2SO4, 10% sólidos, 120 min), foi obtido 48 g/L de glicose, o que correspondeu a uma eficiência de 67%. Já para a hidrólise enzimática (3000 U Termamyl 2X, 240 U AMG XXL, 14% sólidos, 65 min) obtevese 80,8 g/L de glicose, correspondendo a uma eficiência de 79,5%. Nas condições de cultivo empregando HA ou HE contendo cerca de 50,0 g/L de glicose sem qualquer suplementação (pH inicial 6,0, temperatura de 30ºC, agitação de 200rpm e na presença de luminosidade) foi possível selecionar a cepa Rh S2 no HA e a Rh RNA no HE, as quais apresentaram, respectivamente (12,7 g/L e 7,6 mg/L) e (22,8 g/L e 11,2 mg/L) de biomassa e carotenoides totais. O maior potencial antioxidante foi obtido com a cepa Rh S2 que apresentou cerca de 30% de redução do radical DPPH sendo que ambos extratos apresentaram ação anti-microbiana frente à Escherichia coli e Aspergillus fumigatus. Quanto as propriedades mecânicas do compósito formulado com a biomassa seca da cepa Rh S2, ficou demonstrada a possibilidade do uso desta biomassa como agente pigmentante em resinas poliméricas. Estes resultados revelam o grande potencial das leveduras selecionadas para a produção de carotenoides a partir de um subproduto da agroindústria, ressaltando ainda suas importantes propriedades biológicas e de pigmentação, as quais poderão ser exploradas em diferentes aplicações. / The present work had as objective the utilization of the hydrolyzate of cassava peels for the production of carotenoid pigments. For this, the yeast from the Amazon region was isolated, characterizing the cassava peels and acid hydrolysates (HA) and enzymatic (HE). Finally, the effect of the C: N ratio and the luminosity on carotenoid production by the selected yeasts in the hydrolysates were evaluated. Carotenogens extracts are characterized as antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, and the use of dry biomass as a pigment agent in a polymeric material is also evaluated. Seven pigmented colonies (4 soil, 2 water and 1 fruit) were isolated, as were the communities as individuals belonging to the genus Rhodotorula. Compared with cassava peels, the main component in% by weight of starch (71.0), followed by lignin (13.0), glucan (4.6), xylan (2.4), ashes (26) and extractives (4.6). The acid hydrolysis condition (1% H2 SO4, 10% solids, 120 min) was 48 g/L glucose, corresponding to an efficiency of 67%. Already for an enzymatic hydration (3000 U Termamyl 2X, 240 U AMG XXL, 14% solids, 65 min), 80.8 g/L of glucose was obtained, corresponding to an efficiency of 79.5%. In the ingestion conditions using HA or HE of about 50.0 g/L of glucose without any supplement (initial pH 6.0, temperature of 30 ° C, agitation of the presence light) it was possible to select the strain Rh S2 in HA and Rh RNA is not HE, as it is today (12.7 g/L and 7.6 mg/L) and (22.8 g/L and 11.2 mg/L) biomass and total carotenoids. The highest antioxidante potential was obtained with the Rh S2 protein which had about 30% reduction of the DPPH radical, with both extracts being moved against the microbiota against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus. Regarding the mechanical properties of the compound formulated with a dry biomass of the strain Rh S2, the possibility of the use of this biomass as pigment agent in polymer resins has been demonstrated. This research was useful to increase the potential of selected yeasts for the production of carotenoids from a by-product of agroindustry, highlighting their historical and pigmentation characteristics, such as the ports explored in different applications.

A incidência de doenças crônicas atinge índices epidêmicos, sendo responsável por mais de 60% da mortalidade mundial. Medidas preventivas são adotadas e, entre elas, uma alimentação balanceada. Nesta inclui-se o consumo de frutos e vegetais, especialmente os de coloração vermelha e laranja, ricos em carotenoides, fitonutrientes que muitas vezes assumem papel de antioxidantes, prevenindo a incidência destas doenças. No presente trabalho foram obtidas linhagens quase isogênicas (NILs) de tomateiro contendo os alelos at, B, Del, gf, og, r, t e y, os quais afetam a composição de carotenoides. Tais linhagens constituem uma importante ferramenta para estudos de nutracêutica, como os testes de biodisponibilidade de diferentes tipos de carotenoides no plasma sanguíneo, após ingestão, o que foi testado no presente trabalho através do emprego de HPLC e ratos da linhagem Wistar. Além disso, frente às diferentes ofertas de cores e composições metabólicas de tomates disponíveis no mercado, as NILs permitiram o ajuste de parâmetros de colorimetria como um método rápido para identificar os principais mutantes da via de biossíntese de carotenoides presentes em linhagens comerciais. Ressalta-se que, muitas vezes as cores podem enganar e não trazer vantagens nutricionais, como é o caso do consumo de linhagens comerciais contendo a mutação yellow flesh (r). Por fim, as NILs foram utilizadas para verificar se as mutações alterando a composição de carotenoides possuíam alguma penalidade em termos de produtividade ou outros parâmetros de qualidade de fruto (Teor de Sólidos Solúveis, acidez). Os resultados mostraram-se de aplicabilidade e geraram um banco de dados passível de expansão, para novos mutantes que alterem a cor do tomate e fazendo uso de outros backgrounds. Tais dados podem ser usados tanto para programas de melhoramento visando a qualidade nutricional, quanto para o comércio atacado, beneficiando o consumidor final. / The incidence of chronic disease reaches epidemic levels, accounting for over 60% of global mortality. Preventive measures are adopted, and among them, a balanced diet. This includes the fruits and vegetables consumption, especially the red and orange ones, rich in carotenoids, phytonutrients which often assumes the role of antioxidants preventing these diseases incidence. In this study, tomato near isogenic lines (NILS) containing the alleles B, Del, gf, og, r, t and y, were obtained, affecting the carotenoid fruit content. Such lines are an important tool for nutraceutical studies, like different carotenoids bioavailability tests in blood plasma after ingestion, which was tested in this work by HPLC employment and Wistar rats. Moreover, in the face of different colors and metabolic contents offerings of tomatoes available at the market, NILs allowed the adjustment of colorimetric parameters as a fast way to identify carotenoids biosynthetic pathway key mutants present in commercial strains. It is highlighted that many times colors can mislead and not bring nutritional benefits, like the consumption of commercial strains containing the mutation yellow flesh (r). At the end, NILs were used to verify if the carotenoid content mutations had some penalty in terms of productivity or other fruit quality parameters (Soluble Solids Content, acidity). The results showed relevant and generated a database capable of expansion to new fruit color tomato mutants even in other genetic backgrounds. Such data can be used both for nutritional quality breeding programs, both for the wholesale trade, benefiting the end user.

Licopeno, um pigmento natural considerado o mais potente antioxidante dentre os carotenoides, é oque tem maior incidência no soro humano. Seu consumo regular está relacionado principalmente com a prevenção do câncer de próstata. Porém, estudos também demonstram sua relação com a prevenção de câncer de pâncreas e bexiga, doenças cardiovasculares como a aterosclerose e doenças neurodegenerativas. Todavia, por ser altamente insaturado o licopeno é susceptível à degradação, sendo degradado na presença de luz, oxigênio e se exposto a altas temperaturas. A microencapsulação entra como uma alternativa para tentar garantir maior estabilidade a este carotenoide. A técnica de spray-chilling, por dispensar o emprego de altas temperaturas e solventes durante o processo de atomização, representa uma alternativa promissora na encapsulação do licopeno. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram encapsular uma solução oleosa de licopeno (10%) através da técnica de spray-chilling,utilizando gordura vegetal low trans como carreador, caracterizar as micropartículas obtidas e avaliar a biodisponibilidade do licopeno livre e encapsulado em ratos wistars. Foram formulados seis tratamentos, que diferiam pela concentração de solução comercial de licopeno, sendo T1 com 20%, T2 com 23,1%, T3 com 28,6%, T4 com 33,3%, T5 com 17,9% mais 10% de goma arábica e T6 com 19,2% mais 5% de carboximetilcelulose (CMC). As micropartículas obtidas destes tratamentos foram avaliadas quanto a tamanho e distribuição, morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformadas de Fourier (FT-IR), difração de raios-X (DRX). A estabilidade do licopeno encapsulado foi avaliada em diferentes condições de armazenamento (sob vácuo, umidade relativa de 33%, temperatura de refrigeração e ambiente) e também foi determinada por meio de quantificações periódicas de licopeno, bem como através da análise análise da cor instrumental. A biodisponibilidade foi avaliada utilizando-se 68 animais divididos em grupos, para os quais se administrou por gavagem o licopeno livre e o encapsulado. O tamanho das micropartículas obtidas ficou em torno de 60-110 µm e a distribuição foi polidispersa, independente da concentração de licopeno. A microscopia revelou micropartículas esféricas, com superfície rugosa, com alguns poros e tamanhos variados. No FT-IR verificou-se que não houve formação de ligações distintas na solução oleosa de licopeno e nas amostras atomizadas. Nos difratogramas observou-se a presença da forma polimórfica β para o agente carreador e para as micropartículas. Na estabilidade a adição da goma arábica e o armazenamento sob temperatura de refrigeração e vácuo, foram as melhores condições para retardar a degradação do licopeno. Os resultados dos ensaios de biodisponibilidade foram inconclusivos. Desta forma, conclui-se que é possível encapsular licopeno através da técnica de spray-chilling, porém, para trabalhos futuros, seriam necessários aprimoramentos na técnica de encapsulação e/ou na formulação para conferir maior proteção ao carotenoide, bem como adequações na metodologia para determinação de sua biodisponibilidade, para obtenção de resultados conclusivos. / Lycopene, a natural pigment considered the most potent antioxidant among the carotenoids, it has the higher incidence in the human serum. Its regular consumption is mainly related with the prevention of prostate cancer. However, studies also show its relation to the prevention of pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer, cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. However, by being highly unsaturated the lycopene is susceptible to degradation, being degraded in the presence of light, oxygen and if exposed to high temperatures. The microencapsulation comes like an alternative to ensuring higher stability for this carotenoid. The technique of spray-chilling represents a promising alternative to encapsulation of lycopene. The aims of this study were to encapsulate an oily solution of lycopene (10%) through of the technique of spray-chilling, using a low-trans fat as carrier, to characterize the obtained microparticles and to evaluate the bioavailability of lycopene free and encapsulated in Wistar rats. Six treatments were formulated, that differed by the content of oily solution of lycopene:T1 with 20%, T2 with 23.1%, T3 with 28.6%, T3 with 28.6%, T4 with 33.3%, T5 with 17.9% plus 10% of Arabic gum and T6 with 19.2% plus 5% of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The microparticles obtained from these treatments were evaluated for size and distribution, morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FT-IR) and X-ray difraction (XRD). The stability of the lycopene encapsulated was evaluated by its periodic quantification at different storage conditions (vacuum, relative humidity of 33%, refrigeration temperature and environment temperature). Instrumental color, \"L\" and \"a\" parameters, also was measured. The bioavailability was evaluated using 68 animals, for which the free and lycopene encapsulated were administered by gavage. The size of microparticles obtained was around 60-110 µm and the distribution was polydisperse, independent of the concentration of lycopene. The microscopy revealed spherical microparticles, with rough surface, with some pores and varying sizes. In the FT-IR it was found that there was no formation of distinct bonds in oily solution of lycopeno and the atomized samples. In the diffraction patterns observed the presence of polymorphic form \"β\" for the carrier agent and microparticles. On the stability the addition of Arabic gum and the storage at refrigerator temperature under vacuum, were the best conditions to delay the degradation of lycopene. The results of bioavailability assays were inconclusive. As conclusion, it is possible to encapsulate lycopene using the technique of spray-chilling but to future works, would be required improvements in the technique of encapsulation and/or formulations to give more protection to the carotenoid, as well as adjustments in the methodology for determination of their bioavailability, in order to obtaining conclusive results.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O descarte na indÃstria de pescado, inclusive o de carapaÃas de crustÃceos, constitui um percentual bastante elevado. Estas cascas sÃo ricas em pigmentos carotenÃides, os quais, apresentam um alto valor de pigmentaÃÃo, sendo corrente em alguns paÃses a extraÃÃo e posterior utilizaÃÃo dos mesmos em raÃÃes. O objetivo deste experimento foi estudar a extraÃÃo dos pigmentos carotenÃides das cascas de camarÃo e verificar seu potencial de uso como aditivo natural de cor em um produto à base de pescado. Neste estudo foram desenvolvidos testes preliminares para escolha de um mÃtodo para a extraÃÃo dos pigmentos optando-se pela extraÃÃo com solvente. Caracterizou-se ospigmentos extraÃdos das cascas de camarÃo e avaliou-se a influÃncia do extrato pigmentado aplicado em um produto à base de pescado, o qual foi embalado à vÃcuo e sem vÃcuo e submetido à uma estocagem (-20ÂC) durante um perÃodo de60 dias. A cor dos produtos foi medida a cada 15 dias no sistema CIE determinando-se os parÃmetros de L*, a* e b*. A anÃlise espectrofotomÃtrica do extrato de camarÃo apresentou produtos de degradaÃÃo da astaxantina. Os produtos pigmentados com o extrato de camarÃo e embalados à vÃcuo apresentaram valores de luminosidade (L*) menores (p < 0,05) que os embalados sem vÃcuo com 15 e 45 dias de armazenamento. Para o componente de intensidade de cor amarela (b*) os produtos embalados à vÃcuo apresentaram valores maiores (p<0,05) no inÃcio do armazenamento (0 dias) e menores (p<0,05) com 45 dias de armazenamento, em relaÃÃo Ãqueles embalados sem vÃcuo. Contudo, no perÃodo de 60 dias de armazenamento nÃo foi observado efeito significativo da embalagem à vÃcuo sobre as caracterÃsticas de cor dos produtos. / Waste material in the fish industry including the shells from the crustacean, constitute a very high percentage. These shells are rich in carotenoids pigments, which may have a high pigmentation value when used in foods. It is common in some countries the use of the extracted pigments in feeds.The aim of this experiment was to study the process of carotenoids extraction and to verify its pigmenting potential in a minced fish food product. The solvent extraction technique was used after testing other extraction procedures. Extracted pigments were characterized by spectrophotometry. Pigments were then included in the fish formulation. Fish products were packaged with and without vacuum and storage in the dark at â20ÂC for 60 days. The color of the products was measured every 15 days with the CIE system which determines parameters L*, a* and b*. The spectrophotometry study showed products of degradation of astaxanthin in the shell extract. The luminosity (L*) of the color in products packaged under vacuum was lower (p<0.05) with 15 and 45 days of storage than in those stored without vacuum. Vacuum packaged products showed that with 0 days of storage the yellowness component (b*) was higher (p<0.05) in vacuum packaged products than in those stored without vacuum. The reverse occurring with 45 days of storage. After 60 days frozen storage vacuum packaging did not affect the color characteristics of the fish product.

A incidência de doenças crônicas atinge índices epidêmicos, sendo responsável por mais de 60% da mortalidade mundial. Medidas preventivas são adotadas e, entre elas, uma alimentação balanceada. Nesta inclui-se o consumo de frutos e vegetais, especialmente os de coloração vermelha e laranja, ricos em carotenoides, fitonutrientes que muitas vezes assumem papel de antioxidantes, prevenindo a incidência destas doenças. No presente trabalho foram obtidas linhagens quase isogênicas (NILs) de tomateiro contendo os alelos at, B, Del, gf, og, r, t e y, os quais afetam a composição de carotenoides. Tais linhagens constituem uma importante ferramenta para estudos de nutracêutica, como os testes de biodisponibilidade de diferentes tipos de carotenoides no plasma sanguíneo, após ingestão, o que foi testado no presente trabalho através do emprego de HPLC e ratos da linhagem Wistar. Além disso, frente às diferentes ofertas de cores e composições metabólicas de tomates disponíveis no mercado, as NILs permitiram o ajuste de parâmetros de colorimetria como um método rápido para identificar os principais mutantes da via de biossíntese de carotenoides presentes em linhagens comerciais. Ressalta-se que, muitas vezes as cores podem enganar e não trazer vantagens nutricionais, como é o caso do consumo de linhagens comerciais contendo a mutação yellow flesh (r). Por fim, as NILs foram utilizadas para verificar se as mutações alterando a composição de carotenoides possuíam alguma penalidade em termos de produtividade ou outros parâmetros de qualidade de fruto (Teor de Sólidos Solúveis, acidez). Os resultados mostraram-se de aplicabilidade e geraram um banco de dados passível de expansão, para novos mutantes que alterem a cor do tomate e fazendo uso de outros backgrounds. Tais dados podem ser usados tanto para programas de melhoramento visando a qualidade nutricional, quanto para o comércio atacado, beneficiando o consumidor final. / The incidence of chronic disease reaches epidemic levels, accounting for over 60% of global mortality. Preventive measures are adopted, and among them, a balanced diet. This includes the fruits and vegetables consumption, especially the red and orange ones, rich in carotenoids, phytonutrients which often assumes the role of antioxidants preventing these diseases incidence. In this study, tomato near isogenic lines (NILS) containing the alleles B, Del, gf, og, r, t and y, were obtained, affecting the carotenoid fruit content. Such lines are an important tool for nutraceutical studies, like different carotenoids bioavailability tests in blood plasma after ingestion, which was tested in this work by HPLC employment and Wistar rats. Moreover, in the face of different colors and metabolic contents offerings of tomatoes available at the market, NILs allowed the adjustment of colorimetric parameters as a fast way to identify carotenoids biosynthetic pathway key mutants present in commercial strains. It is highlighted that many times colors can mislead and not bring nutritional benefits, like the consumption of commercial strains containing the mutation yellow flesh (r). At the end, NILs were used to verify if the carotenoid content mutations had some penalty in terms of productivity or other fruit quality parameters (Soluble Solids Content, acidity). The results showed relevant and generated a database capable of expansion to new fruit color tomato mutants even in other genetic backgrounds. Such data can be used both for nutritional quality breeding programs, both for the wholesale trade, benefiting the end user.

Darwin's theory of sexual selection explains the existence of sexual dimorphism, or within-species sex differences in shape, color, size, and behavior. In some cases, sexually dimorphic traits, especially extravagant male ornaments, seem maladaptive and thus in opposition to natural selection. The crux of Darwin's theory was that sexual selection arises from individual differences in reproductive success that result from competition for mates. In this dissertation, I investigated several aspects of sexual selection and the evolution of female mating preferences and male ornaments in the great frigatebird (Fregata minor). Frigatebirds as a group (family Fregatidae) are the most ornamented of any seabirds, and are among the most ornamented of any animal group. Their most prominent ornament is a gular (throat) pouch which becomes red in males during the breeding season, and which is inflated and displayed to females during courtship. Male courtship display also includes a warble vocalization and extension and trembling of the wings. I investigated the following issues concerning sexual selection and ornamentation in great frigatebirds: 1) the source of ornamental coloration in male great frigatebird gular pouches. I determined that this was a carotenoid-based color display; 2) the relationship of male mating success to gular pouch size and coloration. I determined that mating success was not related to the size or color of this ornament; 3) the relationship between male vocal display traits and female preferences. Again, I found no relationship between vocal display traits and female preferences, and finally, 4) the role of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus in female mate choice. The MHC is a highly polymorphic multi-gene family associated with immune defense and has been proposed to play a role in mate choice. I found a significant disassortative mating pattern amongst mated pairs compared to random pairings based on MHC genotypes. In summary, I found no evidence for female mating preferences based on visual or auditory display traits associated with male ornamentation. However, I did find evidence for female mating preferences based on genetic dissimilarity at an MHC locus.

Male mating signals convey important mate-quality information to females and are regulated by androgens. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with proper hormonal functioning in exposed animals, causing altered hormone levels and resulting in changed reproductive characteristics, including mating signals. Altered signals can have ecological implications by influencing population and community dynamics and evolutionary implications via trans-generational reduction in signal reliability leading to reduced preference and eventual loss of the signal trait. I examined the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine, a widely used herbicide and EDC, on mating signals and behaviors in male guppies, a sexually dimorphic freshwater fish. Guppies were exposed either during adulthood or embryonic development. Prolonged atrazine exposure during adulthood reduced the size of the carotenoid-based ornament, the number of courtship displays performed, and aggression towards competing males. Embryonic exposure did not affect survival to adulthood and the time to develop male-specific morphologies. But there was a trend for smaller genitalia, and the ornament size was significantly increased. Possible increases in immunocompetence as a result of slight estrogenecity may have allowed for greater carotenoid allocation to the ornament. Embryonic exposure also resulted in reduced courtship behavior, forced copulatory attempts and aggression towards competitors; female guppies found these males less attractive. The low dose had the strongest effects with embryonic exposure, indicating the importance of low-dose exposures. These studies highlight the effects of low and environmentally relevant doses of atrazine on mating signals and behaviors in exposed wildlife. A mathematical model was used to understand the evolutionary effects of EDCs on the optimal allocation of carotenoids between ornament and immunocompetence. Animals obtain carotenoids through their diet, and allocate some of this to enhance immune function and the rest to ornaments for mate attraction. The model replicates the disruption of carotenoid-based ornaments as a result of EDC-exposure, and predicts that signal reliability will be reduced. The model simulates an evolutionary shift in the optimal allocation if exposure spanned multiple generations, but signal reliability is not restored. Including additional selective forces like predation further suppresses signal reliability.