helenofdestroy:A very unusual genetic color variation in white-tailed deer — rarer even than albinis
helenofdestroy:A very unusual genetic color variation in white-tailed deer — rarer even than albinism — produces all-black offspring in that species which are known as “melanistic" or “melanic" deer.Researchers admit that they aren’t sure, but they say the mutation likely has been perpetuated because it offers a survival advantage. Melanistic deer are concentrated along the [Central Texas] region’s drainages, where cover is thick and a dark-colored prey animal would have an edge in avoiding detection. This trait also would serve them well in the upland juniper thickets found in the same part of Texas. -- source link