Talk:Melanism

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Melanism is part of the WikiProject Biology, an effort to build a comprehensive and detailed guide to biology on Wikipedia.
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To-do list for Melanism: edit · history · watch · refresh
  • Lead is too long - needs to summarize article in a few paragraphs
  • Expand on industrial melanism - could be split if enough is added.

[edit] Organisms or just animals

We define melanism as 'an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation (as of skin, feathers, or hair) of an individual or kind of organism.'

The only organisms discussed however are animals - should we say 'animal' instead of organism, or is the article just being a little animalia-centric?

[edit] Industrial melanism

Does it exist? The peppermoth study was a fraud. --~ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.107.91.99 (talk) 19:25, August 27, 2007 (UTC)

    • These animals are so cute on the melanism page.

I think increased melanin in animals is beneficial for survival. I have experienced this first hand because my cousin breeds top of the line AKC registered poodles. All of which are well cared for. The poodles came in a variety of colors: peach, red, white, grey, brown and black. And all of them were healthy puppies, with beautiful large dark eyes and curly coats. However, as they got older close to the age of 15, the lighter coated poodles developed arthritis, cancer, and became ill. This was indeed sad because they were greatly loved by my cousin and her family. The poodles received the best medical treatment available. They were able to live for another year (taking alot of medicines) until they went on their own. But the odd thing is , is that the solid black poodles are now 25 years old!!!! They are still on the beat, moving briskly and looking after the new golden retriever puppy. Long story short, I think "melanism" or lots of pigmentation in the animal kingdom does improve survival rates! signed ---- Hearts —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.54.85.162 (talk) 16:51, 19 December 2007 (UTC)

Please discuss changes before making them, not after. I've reverted your edit as vandalism. Sign your posts, and provide sources for this 'widely known' fact of yours. Richard001 01:47, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Melanosis

Hi! I know nothing about the subject, so I'm just asking. Melanosis redirects here, but is not really discussed. I read the article, but did not learn if melanism can occur in humans. Is it called melanosis if it occurs? Or is that something different? The article could spend a sentence or two on humans. --CyHawk (talk) 23:14, 12 February 2008 (UTC)