What animals molt and change color. Wild animals are preparing for winter

Instructions

Most people associate the idea of ​​the possibility of animals changing color with. Indeed, everyone knows about the ability of these animals to quickly change the color and pattern of their skin. This is not a disguise for the environment, as many believe. In fact, the chameleon's body has unique ability"repaint" depending on temperature regime, light environment and even mood.

Even ancient people paid attention to unique feature chameleons change color, but they couldn't explain why this was happening. Research by scientists has been able to establish the nature of the phenomenon associated with the color change. It turns out that the color behavior of an animal depends on pigment cells - chromatophore (translated from Greek language- “paint-carrying”) These cells are directly connected to nervous system animal and play main role in the color of the chameleon's skin.

Color changes can occur as a result of physiological factors such as lighting, environmental temperature and humidity, pain or hunger. Aggression when meeting other representatives of the animal world or fear are emotional stimuli that act on chromatophores. Biologists have established a close connection between the ability to change skin color and vision. Commands to the “paint-carrying” cells come, first of all, from the visual, and when it is damaged amazing ability change color is lost.

Color changes are widespread among animals. First of all, rapid changes in color behavior are characteristic of cold-blooded animals. Not having the ability to produce their own heat, many crustaceans, octopuses, squids, frogs, lizards, some types of fish and insects are the owners of chromatophores responsible for changing the color of the skin and eyes.

Among the representatives of the northern and temperate zones there are a considerable number of animals, the change in the camouflage color of which directly depends on the time of year. For example, the blue fox's perfect outfit helps it become invisible in the snow. The dark, brownish color helps the animal hide among tundra plants and lichens in the summer season.

Throughout the year, some adapt perfectly to the conditions surrounding nature, having the ability to change the color of the coat. White fur for (only the tips of the ears are gray) - excellent remedy camouflage in winter, and with the onset of summer this animal becomes brownish-gray. Red squirrel adapts to colors winter nature, changing into a light gray fur coat. The ability to change the color of their fur is inherent in the weasel and ermine. As a result of spring and autumn molting, the color of animals is spotted, matching the motley natural landscape.

In the world of insects there are also owners of seasonal colors. For example, leaf moths are difficult to notice among the foliage of trees. They are green in the summer, and in autumn the color of the insects' wings changes to brownish-yellow. The shuttle caterpillars living on oak trees adapt to seasonal changes, and in the spring pink They resemble buds, in summer they are green no different from leaves, and in autumn they take on the color of oak bark.

A similar result is achieved in a completely different way. Here, seasonal changes occur not in the color of successive generations, but in the color of successively changing outfits of the same individual.

Seasonal color changes in snowy countries. There are many amazing features in color and its changes in northern mammals and birds. It is well known that a number of Arctic and subarctic species, such as tundra and white partridges, mountain hare, American hare (Lepus townsendii), arctic fox, ermine and others, changes its summer color to white. But this acquisition of protective winter coloring in snowy countries is by no means a universal phenomenon. Some forms like polar bear, White Owl, Arctic Gyrfalcon and Arctic Hare are white throughout the year. Along with this, others, like elk, musk ox, wolverine, reindeer and raven do not wear white clothing even in the coldest parts of their range.

Among forms that undergo seasonal changes, closely related species may differ greatly from each other in this respect. For example, the hoofed lemming ( Dicrostonyz torquatus) wears a white winter coat, unlike the Norwegian lemming ( Myodes lemmus).

For many animals, the degree of seasonal color change varies depending on latitude and climate. For example, the arctic fox ( Alopex lagopus) in the very north of its distribution area almost always replaces its bluish-brown summer coat with a pure white winter coat; but in Iceland, where the winter is less severe, the white skin is rarely worn. The same applies to ermine ( Mustela erminea), which regularly turns white in winter in the north of Scotland, but in England it turns white less completely and less frequently. Similarly, weasel ( Mustela nivalis ) always turns white in northern Europe and only rarely in Great Britain. White hare northern Europe (Lepus tirnidus) and its local races in Scotland and Ireland represent good example this kind of phenomena. On the Scandinavian Peninsula, this hare usually turns white; in the Scottish Highlands it is also usually white; but in Ireland and southern Sweden it retains a gray coat throughout the year. IN North America prairie hare ( L. campestris) and American hare ( L. americanus) turn white in winter; forest hare ( L. sylvaticus), common further south, retains its summer coloration, while the American Arctic hare ( L. arcticus) all year round remains white.

Patronizing coloring of animals. It has been proven, at least for some species, that the factor causing green hair is low temperature. On the other hand, many facts are known that do not agree with this explanation. First of all, in some species, for example the ermine, a change in color sometimes occurs in early autumn, before the onset of cold weather; In addition, it is known that arctic foxes living in the park of the Zoological Society regularly turn white. These facts do not support the opinion that the change in color is due to the direct influence of climate. The fact that some arctic and subarctic mammals and birds undergo seasonal color changes and others do not makes such an explanation for color changes unlikely.

At the same time, exceptions when the dark summer color persists throughout the winter indirectly confirm an adaptive rather than a climatic explanation for this phenomenon. These are precisely the “exceptions that prove the rule,” because the animals they concern, wolverine, musk ox, elk, have little need of protective coloring. It is very significant that the white outfit, permanent or temporary, is worn in winter by precisely such species as the polar bear, arctic fox, arctic gyrfalcon, ermine, weasel, snowy owl, white and tundra partridge and mountain hare, which as potential predators or possible victims need protective coloring for protection or attack.

Seasonal color changes in forest inhabitants with falling leaves. Let us dwell briefly on one type of color change, in some respects the exact opposite of that just discussed. Many inhabitants of forests and savannas of tropical and subtropical regions have white spots on their bodies, like the Indian sika deer ( Axis axis), large forest antelope ( Tragelaphus scriptus) from Africa and spotted guinea pig (Cuniculus paca) from South America. In areas where Sun rays, passing through the foliage, they scatter sun glare everywhere, light against the background of the surrounding shadow; such marks, scattered along the back and sides of the animal, represent an important and effective element of protective coloring.

However, in colder latitudes, where the leaves fall in the fall, the spotted coat winter months would play an unmasking role. Interestingly, some species, like the European fallow deer ( Dama dama) and Japanese deer ( Sika nippon), inhabiting forests with falling leaves, are indeed subject to seasonal color changes. In summer they are decorated with white spots, and in winter the spots disappear, and a single-color grayish or brown color appears. But on the island of Formosa, where the climate is hotter and the forests are ever green, the Japanese deer is represented by a form in which the white spots remain in winter.

If we compare these seasonal changes with the color changes in Arctic animals, we will notice that the same tendency towards the formation of white hairs is associated with diametrically opposed climatic conditions. In snowy countries this phenomenon is observed in winter, and in forests in summer. But here and there, by these opposite methods, the same result is produced, namely, a protective similarity of color corresponding to the changing environment, a resemblance in one case to fields of snow, and in the other to glare of sunlight.

Literature: H. Cott. Adaptive coloration of animals. Moscow, 1950

Shedding is a natural process in which dead tissue and cells are replaced by new ones. Almost all animals shed, with the exception of some breeds of domestic dogs and cats. The question of which animals shed and change fur color worries many. Coat change often occurs in spring and autumn, when wild animals stock up on good fur for the winter to survive terrible frosts, and in the spring they shed their “heavy coat”, since they have no need to bathe in a winter coat.

What does animal molting depend on and how does it happen?

Animals molt 2 times a year: in spring and autumn. With the onset of spring, the sun shines brighter and gets hotter, so animals have no reason to stay with thick winter fur. At this time they change it to a shorter and rarer one. For example, if in winter a squirrel has 8,100 hairs per 1 cm2 of body surface, then in the same area in spring only 4,200 summer hairs can be counted; similarly, a white hare has 14,000 winter hairs and only 7,000 summer hairs.

Zoologists have long been interested in the molting of animals and in the process of research they found out the factors influencing the change in coat color and the process of changing hair fibers.

Factors influencing the change in animal fur color

• Influence external factors. The change of coat depends on the ambient temperature, which is why spring and autumn shedding occurs.
• Duration daylight hours. In addition, light is important for animals, as it affects the pituitary gland, an endocrine gland.
• Geographic latitude of the area. Its influence is reflected not only in molting, but also in changes in coat color. For example, a white hare changes its snow-white coat to a gray one in the spring, and a gray squirrel “puts on” a red coat in the spring. This protective coloring feature helps preserve the appearance, since thanks to this ability the animals become invisible in the snow in winter, and against the background of grass and earth in summer.

The molting process occurs differently in different animals. For example, the spring coat change of a squirrel begins from the head. The appearance of new hair, colored red, can be noticed first on the face, then red spots appear in the eye area, then on the paws, and at the very end - on the back and sides. The coat changes over the course of 2 months.

All animals on the planet are subject to molting, but the process itself can happen quickly or slowly. For example, animals that live in continental climate characterized by rapid and sharp changes in temperature depending on the season, when Cold winter quickly gives way to hot summer, they shed rapidly. And semi-aquatic animals and those that live in tropical climate, shed gradually. These include: sea otter, muskrat, giraffe, nutria.

Most mammals in temperate latitudes molt twice a year, but there are exceptions: jerboas, marmots, seals and ground squirrels change their fur only once a year.

Hare

Let's look at hare equipment using the example of a white hare and a brown hare. The white hare completely changes his outfit for the winter, his fur coat becomes white, and the hare spends the winter in his usual fur coat. So as not to freeze everything internal organs, on the abdomen of the hare for the winter the fur noticeably lengthens throughout the body. Growing hair near the nostrils helps prevent a cold nose.

The hare's fur becomes thicker in the winter. The hare can do without a camouflage robe, since it prefers to spend the winter close to rural areas, while the hare hides in the forest.

A white hare lying in a ditch is very difficult to spot. Only the black tips of his ears can give him away, Brown eyes and the tip of the nose. Molting begins with a change in the length of day and night - as daylight hours shorten, the hare changes its coat to a winter version, and as daylight hours increase, it changes its “winter wardrobe” to a summer one.

Squirrel

The molting time of squirrels depends on the region of residence and is observed 2 times a year. Timing is variable. The change in squirrel fur is also influenced by factors such as gender, fatness, the presence or absence of diseases, pregnancy, and age.

Males moult earlier than females. Young squirrels also molt. The beginning of the autumn coat change occurs in mid-September and continues until the second ten days of November. Depending on the individual characteristics body of each squirrel, the duration of molting varies from 45 to 50 days.

The spring change in squirrel fur color occurs in mid-March and lasts 2 months. You can tell that a squirrel is changing its coat by its dull appearance. First, the hair falls out from the head, then the hair on the body changes, and at the very end the tail sheds.

Cat

IN wildlife cats shed once a year. When kept at home, a cat's shedding can occur chaotically. If in wild representatives the change of undercoat is associated with climatic conditions, then in pet Other factors may also influence shedding:

• unbalanced diet;
• presence of stressful situations;
• avitaminosis;
• leukemia;
• postpartum period;
• excess fat in foods;
• allergy;
• diseases.

Natural shedding lasts 2 weeks; if the process takes longer, it is important to contact a veterinarian. The longest period of molting occurs in 5-8 month old kittens, when they exchange their fluff for real wool. Long-haired breeds require Special attention. Need to take care of a complete diet food enriched with vitamins.

Weasel

Weasel – carnivorous mammal, similar in appearance to an ermine. Prefers to live alone. Distribution area - all of Europe, most of Asia, Belarus, North Africa.

Weasel can be found in the forest, it can settle on the edge of the river, in the floodplain, wild representative can be found on the outskirts of meadows and fields. It feeds on mouse-like rodents.

If a weasel has chosen the southern regions to live in, then the color of its coat does not change for the winter; if the weasel has chosen the northern regions, the color of its coat becomes white for the winter.

Arctic fox

The Arctic fox (polar fox) belongs to the predatory mammal of the Canidae family. Depending on the region of residence, arctic foxes are characterized by dimorphism in fur color. Arctic foxes with blue fur inhabit the islands, while those with white fur are found everywhere.

The beginning of the change in the color of the weasel's fur coincides with the arrival of spring. A complete change of coat occurs in 120 days. The autumn moult is also long, beginning in September and ending in December. Arctic fox fishing occurs in January and February; it is at this time that the arctic fox's fur is warmest and lushest.

Ermine

The stoat is a small predatory animal with an elongated body from the Mustelidae family. Many people confuse the ermine with a weasel, but this animal is larger in size and is less able to cope with mouse-like rodents.

The ermine has short but thick fur. In the summer, sides, tail, top part the back, paws and top of the head acquire Brown color with a shade of brown, the tip of the tail becomes black, and in yellow the throat and paws are colored with a lemon tint inside, chin, abdomen.

Unlike the weasel, the ermine has a thicker and a long tail. Animals molt twice a year. Spring molt occurs in March-April, autumn moult occurs in September-November.

In the spring, real molting occurs. At this time, the winter heavy fur is replaced by lighter fur. In autumn, you can observe an increase in the undercoat and a change in coat color from brownish-brownish to white.

Depending on the ecological situation In the region where stoats are distributed, a shift in the timing of molting can be observed.

Very interesting spring molt. First, you can see a dark spot located above the eyes, then it constantly increases, spreads along the animal’s spine, then “crawls” onto the sides, then onto the paws and tail. The lower part does not change its color, only acquires a lemon tint. Females and males molt at the same time.

Lynx

Lynx is graceful and dangerous predator Cat family. In appearance, it is a typical cat, with a body size slightly larger than that of a dog, only with a short body, a chopped tail and wonderful tufts on the tips of the ears.

The color of the fur of wild animals depends on their geographical distribution. You can find reddish-brown representatives of the family, as well as pale-smoky ones. Spotting also has a pronounced character depending on the habitat. The spots on the head, paws and sides can be dark, almost black, or light, even red. In the southern regions you can find lynxes with short red hair and short legs.

In most cases, the thick, soft and long fur of lynxes is gray with a reddish tint, which can also be reddish or blue; dark specks are visible on the sides and back.

The abdomen is covered with thin white hair with small speckles. In summer, the lynx's fur is quite coarse, brighter in color than in winter time. Winter fur is very warm, soft and thick.

Wolf

The wolf is a predatory mammal from the Canidae family. The wild animal has fairly large proportions, strong and long paws. Outwardly it resembles a dog. Wide muzzle, pointed ears, short neck, bushy tail constantly hanging down.

Wolves shed 2 times a year. The fur of a wild representative of the Canidae family is very thick, the fibers are long, in winter the back and sides are painted rusty-ochre or brown with gray tint. The fur on the chest and belly takes on a dirty gray tint. Guard hairs are visible throughout the body, protruding above the main fur. It is not difficult to notice them, since the tips of the guard hairs are colored black.

The summer coat is coarser than the winter coat, the hair is shorter and sparse. The wool has a rusty tint. Baby wolf cubs have thick dark brown fur with reddish spots on their paws and face.

The spring coat change begins in February. A complete change of fur occurs by May. Autumn molt occurs in August-October. Pregnant (puppy) females shed longer. The larger the animal, the faster the coat changes.

Reindeer

The mammal belongs to the Deer family. Both male and female reindeer boast gorgeous antlers that arch forward, backward and upward.

Reindeer fur has 2 layers. The bottom layer is the undercoat, which helps animals withstand bad weather and cold weather, and the top layer with longer hair.

The coat color of males and females is no different. In winter, the coat takes on a lighter shade and becomes thicker.

A remarkable feature of reindeer fur is that a cavity can be found inside the hairs. It is the hollow hairs that help retain heat.

Fox

The fox is a predatory and cunning representative of the Canidae family. The body of the animal is covered with thick, tall and soft hair. The back and sides are most often colored reddish with a reddish tint, the abdomen and chest are gray, sometimes the color approaches black. The tip of the tail is colored White color, the ears on the back are black. Sometimes you can meet albinos - pure white individuals.

The red color of the fur is more pronounced in summer than in winter. In winter, the coat becomes thick and the color saturation is slightly lost. Juveniles have soft and delicate fur, the back is gray with a reddish tint, the chest and belly are white with a gray tint, and the paws and sides are yellowish. The tip of the tail in babies is also white.

The fox changes fur color 2 times a year. More rapid molting begins in the spring. Its peak is in May and ends at the end of June. By the end of winter, the fox's coat begins to lose color, becomes dull, begins to curl in some areas, the hair thins and gradually falls out. As the top layer of fur falls out, the undercoat begins to tangle and fall out.

Autumn shedding can take a long time. It all depends on weather conditions. The warmer the autumn, the slower the new wool matures. If cold weather Installs quickly, which means changing coats happens much faster.

Mammals are characterized by age and seasonal shedding. At this time you can observe a change hairline, changing its color and thickness. In some animals, in addition to seasonal and age-related molting, compensatory molting is also added. For example, this type of hair change is characteristic of a mole, since the wool, due to unusual image life, it wears out quickly. Shedding is a natural process that occurs in animals twice a year.

Every year nature itself gives wild animals a new coat. So who are these lucky ones?

Why do animals change color in winter?

With the arrival of winter, the color of the coat most often changes in animals living in areas where snow covers the ground for at least a month.

For herbivores, color changes are necessary to remain invisible to predators, and for the latter to blend in with environment and have success in the hunt.

So, closer to winter, the coat of a wild animal becomes light gray or white, which allows it to pretend to be a snowball, imitate the colors of tree bark, or hide among lonely bushes of dry grass.

However, the fur of animals in winter should not only camouflage them with the surrounding landscapes in order to protect them from predators, but also keep them warm in the cold - you can’t escape them. Therefore, in addition to long beautiful hairs, the winter coat has a thick and dense undercoat that protects the skin of animals from the cold.

Such warm natural camouflage protects forest inhabitants from danger and allows them to survive the hungry cold season. With the arrival of warmth and sun, the luxurious white coat sheds, giving way to new, red or dark gray hairs, which seem to be impatiently bursting out.

Brown hare

The gray hare can safely be called a master of camouflage, because he has a lot of enemies. Wolves, foxes, kites - a camouflage coat is vital for a hare.

In summer, the brown hare is brown or buffy-gray. This allows you to remain invisible among bushes, fields and meadows, where the scythe loves to settle.

In winter, the hare dresses in a silver gray coat. But the head, front of the back and ears remain dark.

Arctic hare

As winter approaches, the Arctic hare also changes color. Unlike the hare, he prefers forests with tall thickets grasses, sedge-covered swamps and spruce forests. During the warm season, the Arctic hare wears a delicate gray coat.

In the cold season, it turns into a snow-white fluffy ball, and only the tips of the ears remain black - this gives them away as a hare. The Arctic hare does not have a separate mink, so a camouflage coat is extremely important for it. During the day, the animal rests in a snow hole, and at night it gets food: it gnaws the bark of fallen trees.

Squirrel

If for socialites the color of their fur coat is dictated by fashion trends, then for squirrels it is the weather conditions. Yes, yes, squirrels also change the color of their fur for the winter, but not for beauty, but to hide from enemies: hawks and martens.

In summer the squirrel is red and fluffy.

And in winter, its coat is pale gray or black. This makes it easier for the squirrel to remain invisible among the dark gray trunks and branches.

In severe frosts, a squirrel can fall asleep in its hollow, where it prudently collects fallen leaves and dry moss - the same gray and inconspicuous, but soft and warm, like its wonderful fur coat.

Arctic fox

Thanks to the brown fur coat that the arctic fox wears in the summer, it is easy for him to hide among the bushes - foxes, wolves, and wolverines often hunt for foxes. Arctic birds of prey are also not averse to eating arctic fox meat: polar owls, eagle owls and sea eagles.

But in winter, when there are snowdrifts around, the arctic fox dresses up in a beautiful white fur coat. Look! It is almost invisible in the snow.

Ermine

In summer, the fur on the back of the ermine is brown with reddish spots, and the belly is yellow-white.

In winter, the animal’s fur, as if by magic, turns white and camouflages its owner well from those who want to feast on it.

Weasels, animals very similar to stoats, also change the color of their fur coat for the winter.

Reindeer

Reindeer fur in summer has a rich gray color, close to its environment. It consists of two layers: the lower dense one, impervious to moisture and wind, and the outer long one - made of empty, air-filled hairs.

Reindeer prepare for winter in a special way: they grow a thick white mane. Interestingly, the animal’s fur covers not only the body, head and limbs, but even the nose and horns. That's why reindeer Frosts are not scary.

Tundra partridge

This feathered beauty, a resident of the harsh regions of the Northern Hemisphere, sports gray-brown plumage and bright red eyebrows in summer.

And in winter it recolors its feathers white. And only the outer tail feathers remain black. Since the bird hardly flies and leads a terrestrial lifestyle, it hides from predators in thickets and snow holes.

Many animals do not change their coat color for the winter, but their fur coat changes radically: it becomes thick and luxurious, like this one. Wolves also insulate themselves for the winter. Their fur is enriched with light, dense undercoat, becoming longer and tougher. Wolves need this, because they sleep right in the snow, covering their nose and paws with their tail.

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“Animal life in winter” - Sun for summer - winter for frost. The fundamental question is: how does nature change in winter. February. Wolves and foxes hunt mice and hares. No food. Squirrels and mice are supplies from under the snow. IN last time Before a long nap, a badger went out for a walk. The earth and forest are wrapped in a blanket of snow. How do birds winter? Blizzards and blizzards arrived in February, they follow the trail, but there is no trail.

“Beasts in Winter” - Forest in winter. Crow in winter. Wild animals in winter. Marten in winter. Sparrow in winter. Elk in the forest in winter. Bear in winter. Tit in winter. Wolf in the forest in winter. Fox in winter. Crossbill in winter. Hedgehog in winter. Woodpecker in winter. Animal tracks in the snow. White hare. Wild boar in winter. Children's ideas about the lifestyle of forest animals. Squirrel in winter.

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