There are a number of animals in nature that exhibit striking black and white coloring. This type of pigmentation is known as melanistic coloration and serves an important evolutionary purpose for many species. The high contrast between the black and white areas helps break up the animal’s outline as camouflage against predators. It can also signal toxicity or serve as a warning to potential predators. Other times, the patterning is thought to help regulate body temperature. Here we will explore 5 of the most well-known black and white animals and understand the unique benefits this coloration provides them.
Zebra
One of the most universally recognized black and white animals is the zebra. Zebras are equids native to eastern and southern Africa. There are three main species of zebra – the plains zebra, the mountain zebra and the Grévy’s zebra. Zebras have distinctive black and white striped patterns no two individual zebras have the same stripe pattern. This helps them blend into the tall grasses of the African savannah to avoid predators like lions and hyenas. When moving in a herd, the stripes also confuse predators and make it difficult to isolate a single target. Some experts theorize their stripes work like barcodes, helping zebras identify each other. The striking contrasts may also deter biting flies. So the zebra’s special patterning provides camouflage, confusion and pest control all in one visually stunning package.
Killer Whale
Killer whales, also known as orcas, have a very recognizable black and white pattern. They have a black back and sides with distinct white patches around their eyes, jawline and underside. The contrasting coloration acts as camouflage when hunting. When viewed from above, the black blends in with the dark depths of the ocean. When viewed from below, the white matches the light coming from the surface. This helps conceal them when approaching prey. Their coloration also communicates within their social groups. Each pod of orcas has its own signature black and white pattern used to identify its members. The size, shape and location of the white patches are distinct to family lineages. So a killer whale’s color is part of its genetic identity.
Panda
The giant panda is one of the most beloved black and white animals. Its bold contrasting patterning is iconic. The giant panda is native to south central China and has black fur on its ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs and shoulders. Its remaining fur is white. This unique coloring provides camouflage in its snowy and rocky forest habitat in the mountains of China. The black and white breaks up the panda’s outline when it’s moving through dense bamboo stalks. The white also allows them to blend in against snow. Their black fur absorbs heat from the sun to keep warm. Some experts believe the bold markings help giant pandas recognize each other and communicate. The panda’s adorable appearance and coloring has made it an instantly recognizable symbol for conservation.
Penguin
Many species of penguin exhibit iconic black and white plumage. Penguin species like the emperor penguin and magellanic penguin have predominantly black backs and white undersides. The tuxedo-like appearance provides the perfect camouflage in their environments. The black blends in with the dark ocean depths when viewed from above. The white underbelly matches the sunlit surface when viewed from below. This helps conceal penguins from both prey and predators. The penguin’s striking coloration is also thought to play a role in regulating body temperature. The black feathers absorb heat from the sun while the white deflects it. Different species have black and white spots in varying proportions to help conserve heat in extremely cold habitats. Their coloring also helps various species recognize each other. Overall, the penguin’s unique palette is essential to its survival.
Skunk
Skunks are one of the most distinctly patterned black and white animals. They have jet black fur with a prominent white stripe down the center of their back and tail. Some species also have white patches on their faces. This coloration is a warning to potential predators that the skunk is equipped with a powerful smelly defense mechanism. When threatened, skunks spray an oily liquid from glands near the base of their tails. This noxious spray deters predators and protects skunks from attack. The bold black and white markings advertise the skunk’s unique defense abilities. Predators learn to associate the conspicuous color pattern with an unpleasant spray and know to avoid these animals. So the skunk’s contrasting fur offers a clear visual warning to predators to stay away.
Conclusion
Black and white coloration provides many important evolutionary benefits across the animal kingdom. As we’ve seen in animals like the zebra, killer whale, panda, penguin and skunk, these high contrast patterns serve critical functions like camouflage, communication, temperature regulation and warning coloration. The striking visual palette helps various species survive and thrive in their natural environments. So whether blending in with surroundings, standing out as a warning or regulating body heat, these animals demonstrate the vital purposes of their mesmerizing black and white markings. Nature selects for coloration that best enables a species’ success, and for these charismatic creatures, the blueprint called for a bold split between dark and light.
References
| Reference | Link |
|---|---|
| Zebra stripe patterns and antipredator behavior | https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)31324-X |
| The function of the white killer whale markings | https://theconversation.com/the-function-of-the-white-killer-whale-markings-39904 |
| Why are giant pandas black and white? | https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-11137903 |
| Significance of penguin plumage patterns | https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0003443 |
| The function of skunk colouration | https://brill.com/view/journals/beh/127/5/article-p615_3.xml |
