melanistic
/ˌmɛləˈnɪstɪk/
adjective
- Having an unusually high amount of dark pigment (melanin) in the skin, fur, feathers, or scales, resulting in a black or very dark appearance.
- Birdwatchers were excited to spot a melanistic pheasant with entirely black feathers in the forest.
- Some melanistic snakes are completely black, which helps them absorb heat more efficiently.
- The melanistic leopard, often called a black panther, has dark fur due to a genetic condition.
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