Originally Posted By: Lil BuffaloMelanism (also known as melanosis;"dark-colored") is the occurrence of an increased amount of dark pigmentation (as of skin, feathers, eyes or hair) in an organism, resulting from the presence of melanin. It is the opposite of leucism and albinism, which occur because of a lack of melanin or other types of pigment.
Abundism is the occurrence of excessively abundant dark markings (spots, stripes,patches) due to increased dark pigmentation on the coat, fur or skin of some animal species. As the number and/or size of these markings increases, some overlap and merge causing the effect of pseudomelanism where the animal appears completely black. The background color may still be discerned between the markings.
Melanism (and pseudomelanism) is often the result of genetic mutation, but can result from other stimuli, such as exposure to abnormal temperature changes during gestation which transiently alter gene transcription or translation.[Wickipedia2010]
The black color can happen in any animal, it is a genetic mutation. There was recently an all black pinguin found. If this genetic phenotype is favored in a certin environment then it will be passed on and stableized...
Please point out the documented black mountain lion/cougar hide, mount, legit photo or video? In over 300 + years of exploration, settlement, substance, market, and sport hunting, along with the scientific discovery, study, and documentation of North America, best I can tell there has been exactly - ZERO.