Melanism

Uncommon card · No. 95064

Melanism is a congenital high level of melanin in an organism resulting in dark pigmentation. In contrast with albinism, which is generally caused by a mutation which is harmful to overall survival, melanistic morphs coexist stably with others in many species, such as squirrels and leopards. Pseudomelanism, also called abundism, is another variant of pigmentation, identifiable by dark spots or enlarged stripes, which cover a large part of the body of an animal, making it appear melanistic. Melanosis is hyperpigmentation associated with increased melanin, which occurs as part of a number of conditions, some are benign (like freckles). Others are (or can become) malignant. Some conditions are congenital and others are acquired.

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