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Originally Posted by Cazador
Evolution works by chance mutations that result in appearances (phenotypes) or functions (physiology) that give the affected individual a competative advantage and allow them to survive and reproduce more efficiently that those lacking the beneficial mutation. Mutations that aren't beneficial can either be neutral or harmful, but there is no "intent" in it... only chance events that may have beneficial, neutral, or harmful outcomes.
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Yes, I know that already, hence the "" around the word "intended". The word is often used in this kind of context even when the writer knows that there is no actual intention behind a mutation or other occurrence. The difference here was that I, in my opinion, acknowledged that "intention" wasn't the right word to use.
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If birds use the red coloration as a warning signal, then there is a second (perhaps linked) advantage that comes with the change in the ion transporter's mutation. Beyond that, I don't know if other predators, like dogs, cats, coyotes, raccoons, etc. use the red coloration as a visual cue.
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And that's what I was wondering.