The Mandrill and Its Bright Red Nose
In The Mandrill and Its Bright Red Nose, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod learns all about the mandrill, focusing on the bright red nose of the species. Find out how this nose helps the mandrill communicate and why it is so important for survival. This video is excerpted from Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body’s largest organ.
Featuring groundbreaking new science, experiments and leading scientists from a variety of disciplines, the series unravels the natural history of the body's largest organ. Learn more.
Lesson Express
Q: What do mandrills communicate through their noses? What is the benefit of having a red nose?
A: Mandrills communicate their social status through their noses, and the red color helps avoid physical confrontations by signaling dominance.
Q: What makes the mandrill’s nose so red?
A: The red color of the mandrill’s nose comes from blood vessels just under the skin.
Q: What is the blue part of the mandrill’s nose made of?
A: The blue portion of the mandrill’s nose is made of collagen.