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Research Suggests a Known Physics Phenomenon Creates the Color Patterns on Animals’ Skin
Scientists couldn’t explain the sharp borders in color patterns seen throughout nature, but new research may have answers
We stare in awe and wonder at the designs and vibrance of the color patterns plants and animals possess and naturally want to understand them. Researchers have identified several biological purposes these patterns serve, like camouflage and attracting mates, which are relatively common knowledge, but it only explains why these color patterns evolved.
How the patterns form is a whole other mystery that confounds researchers. After all, the patterns and colors on an animal’s skin or a flower’s petal must be distinctive for any evolutionary purpose to be effective. Yet, this seemingly small detail has been anything but simple to explain — but now researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder may bring us one step closer to solving the mystery.
A Bit of Physics
Revisiting a bit of physics will help us understand why the colored patterns in nature have baffled scientists and why the new research matters. Basically, though, it all comes down to a process you’re already familiar with — diffusion.
