Leucism
18.11.2024
Leucism
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For Prelims: About Leucism, Albinism vs. Leucism |
Why in the news?
Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff and members of a non-governmental organization recently rescued a rare peacock with white feathers, caused by a genetic condition called leucism.
About Leucism:
- It is an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring.
- It is caused by a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair, or skin.
- In birds, leucism affects only the bird’s feathers, this means they do not have the normal, classic plumage colors.
тЧЛThey may have white patches where the bird should not have any, or their overall plumage may look pale or bleached out.
Albinism vs. Leucism:
- Albinism is a rare genetic mutation with a complete absence of (or very little) melanin production.
тЧЛMelanin is a natural pigment in the skin, hair, eyes, and even brain tissue.
тЧЛThe type and amount of melanin in animals determine the colour of the skin, hair, and eyes.
- With the lack of melanin production, albinos have white or pinkish coloured skin and red eyes due to the underlying blood vessels showing through from behind the eyes.
- With leucism, there is only a partial loss of melanin production and/or distribution.
тЧЛThe animal can have white or patchy coloured skin, hair, and/or feathers. The pigment cells in the eyes, legs, and bills of birds, however, are not affected.
Source: The Hindu
In birds, leucism results in:
A) Complete absence of feathers
B) Pale plumage with possible white patches
C) Brightly colored plumage
D) Iridescent feathers
Answer B