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)