melanization
Becoming darker naturally
Melanization is the process of producing or depositing melanin, the dark pigment responsible for coloring skin, hair, eyes, and other tissues.
In biology, it describes how organisms develop darker pigmentation, whether through sun exposure, genetic factors, or as an immune response.
Insects use melanization to encapsulate pathogens and heal wounds: The larvae showed rapid melanization around the parasite.
Skin tone, appearance
- skin toneBody's surface coloration
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- tanningCuring hides or bronzing
- frecklesPigmented skin spots
moles · hyperpigmentation · age spots · birthmarks · sunspots · melasma · discoloration
Brown-black biological pigment
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
- albinismInherited melanin deficiency
- vitiligoMelanocyte-loss skin condition
Concealment through visual blending
- UV protectionShielding from ultraviolet radiation
- thermal regulationControlling body heat levels
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- climate adaptationAdjusting to environmental shifts
environmental stress · geographic variation · altitude adaptation · solar radiation · warning coloration · mimicry · seasonal variation
complexion
Skin tone, appearance
- skin toneBody's surface coloration
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- tanningCuring hides or bronzing
freckles · moles · hyperpigmentation · age spots · birthmarks · sunspots · melasma · discoloration
eumelanin
Brown-black biological pigment
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
- albinismInherited melanin deficiency
camouflage
Concealment through visual blending
- UV protectionShielding from ultraviolet radiation
- thermal regulationControlling body heat levels
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
climate adaptation · environmental stress · geographic variation · altitude adaptation · solar radiation · warning coloration · mimicry · seasonal variation
- soil sciencesoil, topsoil, subsoil, clay, sand
- insect immunityinnate immunity, phagocytosis, encapsulation, fat body, nodulation
- immunityimmune, immunity, immune system, immune response, immune cells
- shellfish diseasesEMS
melanizationdepigmentation
Loss of natural coloring
albinism · bleaching · vitiligo · decolorization · hypomelanosis