Pigmentation is a biological process by which cells synthesize, package, and distribute pigments that confer color to tissues, organs, or whole organisms, typically via specialized cells such as melanocytes, chromatophores, or pigment-containing plastids. It involves regulated pathways of pigment biosynthesis (e.g., melanin, carotenoids, ommochromes), intracellular transport and sequestration within organelles, and spatial-temporal control of pigment cell differentiation and activity. Pigmentation contributes to photoprotection, camouflage, signaling, and physiological regulation, and is modulated by genetic programs, developmental cues, endocrine factors, and environmental variables such as light exposure, temperature, and nutrient availability.
A pigment that makes feathers and hair orange helps prevent cellular damage by removing excess cysteine from cells. Pheomelanin is an orange-to-red pigment that is built with the amino acid cysteine and found in human red ...
Evolution
Jan 6, 2026
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Two new studies into lizard colors reveal how one species maintains its colorful diversity while others are losing their ancient colors. And the changes are being driven by the biological equivalent of rock-paper-scissors.
People typically think about evolution as a linear process where, within a species, the classic adage of "survival of the fittest" is constantly at play. New DNA mutations arise and get passed from parents to offspring. If ...
Evolution
Dec 12, 2025
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Wood warblers, also called New World warblers, are some of the most colorful birds in North America, with more than a hundred species in the family ranging in color from yellow, orange and red to blue, green and pink. A new ...
Evolution
Dec 11, 2025
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The ability of some animals to dynamically change color to match the brightness of their surroundings is one of nature's great survival tools, allowing flatfish to blend into sandy seabeds, frogs to adjust to the bottom of ...
Plants & Animals
Nov 10, 2025
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Scientists at UC San Diego have moved one step closer to unlocking a superpower held by some of nature's greatest "masters of disguise." Octopuses, squids, cuttlefish and other animals in the cephalopod family are well known ...
Cell & Microbiology
Nov 3, 2025
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The distinctive colored fur of two of Australia's rarest marsupials could be caused by "broken" pigment genes, new research from La Trobe University has found. The elusive desert-dwelling marsupial mole and the black-coated ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 28, 2025
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Many butterflies develop wing patterns that mimic other species to protect themselves from predators. While growing complex body parts like wings involves many genes, the difference between two versions of the same thing—like ...
Ecology
Oct 9, 2025
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The animal world is incredibly colorful, and behind this color palette is a constant game of survival.
Plants & Animals
Sep 26, 2025
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Despite their image as masters of camouflage, it has long been assumed in science that chameleons change color to communicate with one another or in response to predators.
Plants & Animals
Sep 16, 2025
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