Why Aren’t All Black Bears Black?

Cinnamon-colored black bears are a unique subspecies of the American black bear that are known for their distinctive reddish-brown coat. These bears can be found in parts of North America and are especially prevalent in the western United States.

A team of researchers from HudsonAlpha, the University of Memphis, and the University of Pennsylvania have uncovered the underlying cause of the cinnamon-colored coat in certain black bears. Names can be deceiving, as is the case with bears. In Yellowstone National Park, black bears are more common than the brown-hued grizzly bear, and in the Pacific Northwest coastal regions, the term “brown bear” typically refers to a grizzly bear. However, not all brown bears are grizzly bears.

Contrary to their name, American black bears can come in a variety of colors, such as brown , blond, or bluish-grey. Some bears even have coats that are a combination of different colors. Distinguishing a cinnamon-coloredcousin can be challenging as the differences in body shape and size can be subtle. One theory for the cinnamon coloration in Ursus americanus is that it serves as camouflage or a defense mechanism by mimicking the appearance of a grizzly bear.

In mammals, pigment is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin is black or brown, and pheomelanin is red or yellow. It is widely accepted that genetic variation in melanin biosynthesis gives rise to differences in hair, eye, and skin color. By studying photos of bears and chemically analyzing their corresponding hair samples, the team determined that cinnamon-colored black bears have reduced amounts of eumelanin, just like grizzly bears.

Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Are Black officers more harsh on Black civilians?Police brutality is ugly, but every person of color knows its not just White officers who are guilty. Some believe officers of the same race can behave horribly towards people who look like them. And where are the so called BLM and community activists that start crap when it’s white officers. Now they don’t want to point fingers. Years ago back in Chicago a cop jumped out on me and because I asked him what he stop me for, he said a shooting, I asked him who does that in a Jimmy johns uniform? He had my ID and asked where I was going. I said “my address is 2 blocks west… we facing west aren’t we?” I am eager to see the responses
Source: FOX26Houston - 🏆 448. / 53 Read more »

Black History Month 2023 theme highlights Black resistance in AmericaEvery year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) chooses the theme for Black History Month.
Source: FOX10Phoenix - 🏆 83. / 68 Read more »

Hailey and Justin Bieber Coordinate in Baggy All-Black Looks for Walk in NYCHailey and Justin Bieber Coordinate in Baggy All-Black Looks For Walk in NYC
Source: harpersbazaarus - 🏆 467. / 52 Read more »

Black Clover Explains How Asta's New Power WorksBlack Clover is now gearing up to toss Asta back into the center of the action with the newest [...]
Source: ComicBook - 🏆 65. / 68 Read more »

Indie Rockers Silver & Gold Return to the Stage With New TunesThe quintet of music majors came together a decade ago.
Source: denverwestword - 🏆 315. / 61 Read more »