Abstract
Previous research on polymorphism has primarily aimed at identifying conditions that may promote the evolution and maintenance in populations of two or more discrete phenotypes. This work will instead focus on the ecological consequences of colour pattern polymorphism. I have chosen a powerful combination of techniques that will enable me to test the hypothesis that colour pattern polymorphism may influence the ecological success of populations and reduce their susceptibility to environmental change. First I will conduct phylogeny-based comparative analyses in order to identify associations of coloration mode with ecological variables and endangerment. Then I will test predictions from the hypothesis with a series of manipulative experiments.
Sweden