Researchers believed this was necessary to improve the animals’ thermoregulation, but the theory was not confirmed.
Scientists have discovered that some American black bears in the western United States are slowly frying. Scientists thought it might be due to enhanced thermoregulation or competitiveness, but these theories have not been confirmed, Live Science writes.
In a new study, scientists hypothesized that the new shade of black bears’ fur may be due to a genetic variant similar to the one that causes albinism in humans.
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A research team from the USA and Japan examined DNA samples of more than 150 American black bears (Ursus americanus) living in the USA and Canada. The analysis showed that animals living in western states such as Nevada, Arizona and Idaho have a reddish coat color that is not characteristic of this species.
According to Emily Paquette, lead author of the study at the University of Memphis in Tennessee, during the analysis she and her colleagues found an interesting R153C mutation in the TYRP1 gene, which is responsible for altering the pigmentation of wool in animals. As a result, the fur of black bears becomes reddish – the color of cinnamon.
The TYRP1 gene is known to be responsible for pigmentation and ultimately produces one of two pigments:
- eumelanin – black or brown pigment;
- Pheomelanin is a red or yellow pigment.
Puckett said the mutation was relatively young, suggesting that it appeared about 9,360 years ago and gradually spread throughout the population. The researchers believe the most likely location for the mutation was the western region, possibly somewhere in the southwest, and then spread to the entire population.
The researchers also note that this mutation is relatively young and occurs rather slowly, as evidenced by the fact that most black bears on the east coast still have black fur.
During the study, scientists also tried to understand what is the reason for the development of a mutation of this gene. Initially, it was assumed that the mutation evolved to improve the thermoregulation of animals or to enable them to compete with other animal species.
Researchers suggest that the gene is somehow adaptive, Paquette said, but scientists still don’t know exactly what it is. A new hypothesis suggests this is a selective advantage mechanism – scientists have discovered that this variant of the mutation in bears is similar to oculocutaneous albinism, which causes lighter hair and skin in humans and in some cases leads to visual impairment. However, the scientists did not find any signs of visual impairment in the mutated bears.
Previously Focus He wrote that due to the warming of the world, hybrid bears could flood the Arctic.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.