A flightless bird seems as if some of its feathers have suddenly lost their black color.
Photographer Jeff Mauritzen took a photo of an unusual penguin in Antarctica. National Geographic reported it.
This is the Adélie penguin. He is a representative of one of the most common types of penguins, unlike his relatives.
PD Boersm of the University of Washington in Seattle, USA, said the bird was a leucistic penguin. That is, he has a genetic mutation that led to the loss of the natural color of his feathers.
Thus, the animal’s body does not produce melanin or color pigment, and these pigments cannot be distributed to all parts of the animal’s body. As a result, pale brown or light colored penguins with this mutation are called leucistic.
“This is a very rare genetic mutation and occurs in about one Adélie penguin in 114,000 individuals. Leucism is more commonly found only in subantarctic penguins, where the rate is 1 in 20,000,” said Boersm.
At the same time, scientists believe that the unusual color of penguins does not affect their life and other penguins do not reject them.
Recall that earlier in the area of the Ukrainian Academician Vernadsky station in Antarctica, the number of penguins increased significantly.
Near the Ukrainian Antarctic station, huge penguins settled
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.