Melanism is a particularly important phenomenon for understanding evolution.
Unlike many polymorphisms, the rise of a melanic population within a species can be identified easily and often occurs quickly. Examples of melanism include one of the most famous illustrations of natural selection, the peppered moth. The first four chapters place melanism in historical and scientific context, giving numerous examples and an overview of physical and genetic properties. The final chapter looks at the important role melanism plays in evolutionary biology. Written in an engaging and readable style, this book will have broad appeal to students and researchers in evolution, ecology, entomology, and genetics.