Why are beavers brown?

Beavers are brown because of the pigment melanin in their fur. Melanin is a natural pigment found in many animals, including humans, and it comes in different forms that determine the color of skin, hair, and fur.

In the case of beavers, they have eumelanin, which produces a dark brown color. This color serves a few purposes for beavers:

* Camouflage: Brown fur blends in well with their environment of forests and rivers, making them harder for predators to spot.

* Thermoregulation: Darker fur absorbs more heat, helping beavers stay warm in cold climates.

* Protection: Melanin can also protect against UV radiation from the sun.

Interestingly, beavers don't actually have one solid brown color. Their fur has a layered structure with both guard hairs and underfur. Guard hairs are longer and coarser, providing a protective layer, while underfur is soft and dense, offering insulation. This layered structure allows beavers to maintain their body temperature and stay dry even in water.

So, the brown color of beavers is a result of their melanin content and a key factor in their survival!