I'm doing a report on the Melanistic Leopard, and apparently black leopards result from a genetic mutation. I found some advantages - that the black coat provides amore camoflauge in the rainforest, but does anyone know what some disadvantages of the mutation may be? I would appreciate source links if possible - if not, just the answers
2007-05-29 13:52:08 · 6 answers · asked by _lovely_ 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Black phase leopards are more likely to be seen during the day than yellow phase leopards but they don't hunt during the day. It is obviously not a great advantage or disadvantage as the balance of black and yellow leopards remains about the same so evolution has not favoured one over the other.
2007-05-29 20:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would predict that the spotted leopard would be better hidden when hunting during the day while at night it would not make a difference.
2007-05-29 22:19:33 · answer #2 · answered by michael971 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Racism? Ostracized from the rest of the panthers on the playground?
2007-05-29 21:46:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
that humans like to kill them for a trophy piece not 2 mention in other countries they tie them up and abuse them as they do bears.
2007-05-30 09:48:27 · answer #4 · answered by thesunnshynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it becomes a prey in the winter
2007-05-29 20:55:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
their ability to camouflage themselves in a snowstorm is pathetic
2007-05-29 20:55:17 · answer #6 · answered by Fang 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋