Leucism
Leucism
Leucism (/ˈljuːsɪzəm/), from the Greek leukos meaning "white", is a wide-ranging condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal or bird resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticle, but not the eyes. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin.
Etymology
The term leucism is derived from the Greek word leukos, which means "white". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the condition of partial loss of pigmentation in animals and birds.
Related Terms
- Albinism: A congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes due to absence or defect of tyrosinase, a copper-containing enzyme involved in the production of melanin.
- Melanism: A development of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin or its appendages and is the opposite of albinism.
- Piebaldism: A genetic disorder that affects the coloring of the skin and hair. It is a form of partial leucism.
- Vitiligo: A long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leucism
- Wikipedia's article - Leucism
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