I have a dog with the “tuxedo” coloring – mostly black, but chest/belly and paws are white. I just watched a video with a kitten with the same coloration. This got me thinking….
How is this coloration so prevalent in multiple species, especially species we have domesticated as working/companion animals?
In: Biology
A lot of animals (deer, cats, dolphin, penguins) have a lighter colored belly then back. This is a form of camouflage in animals known as countershading. This works by light making the top look brighter and the bottom darker the “countershading” of the shadows makes the animal look like it lacks shadow and makes it appear flat making it harder to see.
I think it has to do with the way the color gene spreads while they’re developing. It essentially starts at their back and then spreads out, so the “printer runs out of ink” by the time it gets to their paws and inner belly.
Latest Answers