Life Sciences Commons^™

Pelage Coloration In Oldfield Mice (Peromyscus Polionotus): Antipredator Adaptation?, Mark C. Belk, Michael H. Smith

Faculty Publications

Reflectance spectra (in full light and moonlight) of dorsal pelage of 469 adult oldfield mice (Peromyscus polionotus) comprising nine regional samples were compared to reflectance spectra of corresponding surface and subsurface soil samples to test for a selective effect of predation on color of pelage. Mice were slightly more reddish in hue, generally had more chroma, and were less reflective than soil at all locations. Color of pelage within locations was not significantly correlated with color of soil. Among all locations, brightness of pelage and soil were significantly positively correlated. Among mainland locations, there was a significant positive …