Protective Pigments
In Protective Pigments, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explains the critical role of pigment in protecting vertebrates from ultraviolet light and its broader functions in communication and survival strategies. Find out how pigments, like melanin, protect the skin at a molecular level and the diverse ways animals utilize color for camouflage, signaling, and mate selection. This video is excerpted from Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body’s largest organ.
Lesson Express
Q: How does melanin protect against UV damage on a molecular level?
A: Melanin absorbs and dissipates UV radiation, reducing the formation of harmful free radicals that can damage DNA.
Q: What is the evolutionary significance of pigmentation in vertebrates?
A: Pigmentation provides survival advantages, such as UV protection, camouflage to evade predators, and visual signaling for mating or warning others.
Q: How do environmental factors influence pigmentation in animals?
A: Factors like sunlight exposure, habitat, and predator-prey dynamics drive adaptations in pigmentation through natural selection.