Melanism - GCSE Biology Definition

Melanism is a condition in which animals have much darker colouring than usual, due to a higher amount of a pigment called melanin. This can happen in their skin, fur, or feathers. Melanism sometimes helps animals to survive better in certain habitats by camouflaging them from predators or prey. It is the opposite of albinism, where there is little or no melanin at all. Studying melanism helps scientists to understand how animals adapt to their habitats and environmental changes.