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Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

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The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
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Epistasis01:39

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In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
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Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
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Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

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The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
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Mate Choice01:20

Mate Choice

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Mate choice—the decision about whom to mate with—is a type of natural selection, since animals must reproduce to pass down their genes. Mate choice is also called intersexual selection because the behavior occurs between the sexes.
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X-Inactivation01:58

X-Inactivation

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The human X chromosome contains over ten times the number of genes as in the Y chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, and females have two, one might expect females to produce twice as many of the proteins, with undesirable results.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

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Coloration in Mammals.

Tim Caro1, Ricardo Mallarino2

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS81TQ, UK; Center for Population Biology, 1 Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 26, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian coloration, including pigment type and pattern, arises from distinct developmental processes. Evolutionary factors like camouflage and signaling have shaped these diverse mammal colors.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Mammalian coloration exhibits remarkable diversity and conspicuousness.
  • Color and pattern variation are studied from genetic, developmental, and evolutionary viewpoints.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review proximate causes of mammalian color and pattern variation.
  • To discuss evolutionary factors driving mammalian coloration differences.
  • To bridge developmental and functional research approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic and developmental mechanisms.
  • Analysis of evolutionary pressures on coloration.
  • Integration of diverse research methodologies.

Main Results:

  • Color and pattern variation have distinct developmental underpinnings.
  • Evolutionary drivers include background matching, signaling, and physiological influences.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches enhance understanding of mammalian appearance.

Conclusions:

  • Mammalian coloration is shaped by both development and evolution.
  • Further interdisciplinary research is needed to fully understand mammalian traits.