Melanic is a word that is commonly used in biology to describe the presence of dark pigmentation in an organism's tissues or structures. It is pronounced /mɛˈlænɪk/, with the first syllable being stressed, and the second syllable spoken with a short "i" sound. The spelling of "melanic" is derived from the Greek word "melas" which means "black" or "dark". This word is often used in scientific research to describe the role of melanin in organisms and their adaptations to different environments.
Melanic is an adjective that refers to something relating to or characterized by melanin. Melanin is a dark-brown to black pigment that is naturally occurring in the hair, skin, and eyes of humans and animals. It is responsible for determining the color of these tissues and also provides protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
In biological terms, melanic is often used to describe the presence or increased production of melanin in an organism. For example, the term "melanic mutation" is used to describe a genetic variation that results in an increased amount or darker pigmentation of melanin in an individual compared to the normal population. This can be observed in various species, such as the presence of all-black or dark-colored variants of animals that are typically light-colored.
In the context of environmental science, melanic can also be used to describe changes or adaptations in response to environmental factors. For instance, industrial melanism refers to the phenomenon where certain species of insects and animals living in polluted habitats exhibit a darker pigmentation compared to their counterparts in unpolluted environments. This increased melanin production is believed to provide a survival advantage by enhancing camouflage or reducing the negative effects of pollution.
Overall, the term melanic pertains to the presence, production, or characteristics related to melanin in living organisms, encompassing both genetic variations and environmental adaptations.
Melanotic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "melanic" is derived from the Greek word "melas", meaning black. In biology, the term "melanic" refers to the presence of dark pigmentation, particularly in animals or insects. It is used to describe individuals or populations with an unusually high amount of melanin (the pigment responsible for dark coloration) in their tissues, resulting in a dark or black appearance.