The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Categories: Animals | Nature |

Surely many people constantly hear the word "melanin", although they do not know exactly what it is. Melanin is a pigment found in the eyes, hair, and skin of animals and humans. This pigment is responsible for the color of our body parts and is divided into two types - eumelanin and pheomelanin. The first type protects us from ultraviolet rays and gives a brown-black tint to the iris, hair and skin. Pheomelanin imparts a redder or pinker tint and is found in greater amounts in lighter animals and humans, such as redheads. This type of melanin gives color to lips, nipples and even freckles. The color of our hair, eyes and skin varies depending on the amount of melanin in the body and the percentage of the two types.

But what is albinism? This is a genetic mutation that is characterized by a lack of melanin synthesis and is inherited. Albinos are very sensitive to sunlight.

Albinos are rare in the wild, but animals with leucism are more common. In leukism, melanin is synthesized, but it does not reach all the parts that are usually colored - in the eyes, coat or skin - because there are not enough corresponding cells. Most white animals have leukism, and the main difference is the lack of strong sensitivity to sunlight.

Before you is proof of the bizarre nature of wildlife. Can you guess which cases in the pictures are albino animals?

(Total 20 photos)

The vagaries of nature: albino animals
Source: Postureo Espanol

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Tiger

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

a lion

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

deer

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Turtle

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Humpback whale

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Lioness

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Gorilla

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Crow

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Snake

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Reindeer

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Hedgehog

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Owl

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Caiman

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Australian latitude

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

doberman

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Peacock

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Zebra

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Rhinoceros

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

gray dolphin

The vagaries of nature: albino animals

Koala

Keywords: Albinos | Anomalies | Unusual | Strange

     

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