Radiant Solar Energy and the Function of Black Homeotherm Pigmentation: An Hypothesis
- 13 January 1967
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science
- Vol. 155 (3759) , 196-197
- https://doi.org/10.1126/science.155.3759.196
Abstract
White zebra finches exposed to artificial sunlight used an average of 22.9 percent less energy after they were dyed black. The hypothesis that black homeotherm coloration functions primarily to maximize absorption of radiant solar energy is suggested. This hypothesis may explain the dark skin pigmentation of certain human populations.This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Spectral Distribution of Solar Radiation at the Earth's SurfaceScience, 1966
- Water Economy and Metabolism of Two Estrildine FinchesPhysiological Zoology, 1965
- Thermography of the Human BodyScience, 1963
- Use of the Pauling Oxygen Analyzer for Measurement of Oxygen Consumption of Animals in Open-Circuit Systems and in a Short-Lag, Closed-Circuit ApparatusJournal of Applied Physiology, 1957
- The Relation of Coloration in Mammals to Low TemperatureJournal of Mammalogy, 1956
- An Experimental Study of the Influence of Pelage Pigmentation on Metabolic Rate and its Possible Relationship to Body Temperature Control and Ecological DistributionEcology, 1953