Melanism is a development of dark-colored pigment in the skin or its appendages and is the opposite of albinism . The word '
melanism' is
Kaynak: Melanism The Evolution of
Melanism: a study of recurring necessity; with special reference to industrial
melanism in the Lepidoptera is a 1973
Kaynak: The Evolution of Melanismand study, and has led to the coining of the term industrial
melanism to refer to the genetic darkening of species in response to pollutants.
Kaynak: Peppered moth evolutionwho performed research of the influence of industrial
melanism on natural selection of moths, showing why moths are darker in polluted areas.
Kaynak: Bernard KettlewellThe opposite of amelanism is
melanism , an overabundance of melanin. Melanins and melanin production: Melanin is a compound found in plant s
Kaynak: AmelanismEuropean breeding experiments have shown that in Biston betularia betularia, the allele for
melanism producing morpha carbonaria is
Kaynak: Peppered mothThis type of industrial
melanism has only affected such moths as obtain protection from insect-eating birds by resting on trees where they
Kaynak: Polymorphism (biology)Jaguars with
melanism appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination. The black morph is less common
Kaynak: JaguarSo-called black tigers are due to pseudo-
melanism . Pseudo-melanistic tigers have thick stripes so close together that the tawny
Kaynak: Black tiger (animal)They also show an adaptation to high altitudes called altitudinal
melanism. They show dark bodies and darkened colouration at the wingbase
Kaynak: ParnassiusIn general, although
melanism occurs regularly in this species it is less prevalent than in November Moth. The Pale November Moth flies
Kaynak: Pale November MothHowever this is a variable species and darker forms exist, including examples of industrial
melanism which are prevalent in some towns
Kaynak: Minor Shoulder-knotHowever,
melanism is very common in this species and all-dark specimens constitute 100% of the population in some areas. O. latruncula
Kaynak: Tawny Marbled MinorThe intensity of the markings vary considerably, with darker individuals predominating in urban areas, an example of industrial
melanismKaynak: Marbled Beauty