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Reaction to Light of Iris-Chromatophores

Nature volume 176, page 353 (1955)Cite this article

Abstract

FIELD workroom observations in this Sanctuary show that intensity of daylight controls reaction of chromatophore cells in irises of the male duck Netta erythropthalma (Wied.). A minor field characteristic of the male African pochard is the brilliant vermilion iris—a feature easily discernible with binoculars at up to about a hundred yards. The female's irises are umber.

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  1. Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary, Prince George Drive, Retreat, Cape, South Africa

    ERNEST MIDDLEMISS

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  1. ERNEST MIDDLEMISS
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MIDDLEMISS, E. Reaction to Light of Iris-Chromatophores. Nature 176, 353 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1038/176353a0

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