melanism
/ˈmɛlənɪzəm/
noun
- A condition in which an animal or plant has an unusually high amount of dark pigment, making it appear black or very dark.
- Some snakes display melanism, which helps them absorb heat more efficiently in cooler climates.
- Scientists study industrial melanism in moths to understand how pollution affects evolution.
- Melanism in leopards creates what are commonly called black panthers.
Antonyms