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Science 13 January 1967:
Vol. 155. no. 3759, pp. 196 - 197
DOI: 10.1126/science.155.3759.196
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Articles

Radiant Solar Energy and the Function of Black Homeotherm Pigmentation: An Hypothesis

William J. Hamilton III 1 and Frank Heppner 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of California, Davis

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.


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