What is the proposed advantage correlated with darker plumage in analyses of the *D. exulans* complex?
Answer
Greater foraging efficiency
The striking variation in feather coloration throughout the life of the Wandering Albatross, moving from dark brown in juveniles to almost entirely white in older males, is linked to life history and ecological factors. While the visible change is age-related maturation, one specific analysis suggests a correlation between darker plumage and enhanced foraging efficiency. Although the exact biological mechanism remains under investigation, this efficiency might be related to the bird's age, its current maturity level, or preferences for specific feeding grounds where darker feathers provide some unidentified ecological advantage, perhaps aiding camouflage against the water surface during early independence.
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