Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 18 h ago, last 38 min ago, peak #2

Galapagos wildlife colors explained by carotenoid pigments

Original: 🦎 NEW: # Carotenoids are # pigments made by # plants , # algae , and # phytoplankton that # animals cannot produce thems

Scientists highlight how carotenoids, pigments produced by plants, algae and phytoplankton, give Galapagos wildlife their vivid colors. Animals cannot make these compounds themselves, so land iguanas, blue-footed boobies and flamingos acquire their red, orange and yellow hues through their diets. The explanation has drawn attention for shedding light on why some of the islands' most iconic species display such striking coloration.

Why now: The striking colors of Galapagos animals are being explained through the science of dietary carotenoids.

Galapagosland iguanasblue-footed boobiesflamingoscarotenoids

Open on mastodon →

Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 19 snapshots from 18 h ago to 38 min ago.

Evidence

• 🦎 NEW: # Carotenoids are # pigments made by # plants , # algae , and # phytoplankton that # animals cannot produce themselves. # Galapagos # wildlife , including land # iguanas , blue-footed # boobies , and # flamingos , acquire these red, orange, and yellow compounds through #… · tksst@fediscience.org · 4

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1592845