Why are orangutans orange?

Orangutans aren't actually orange! While the name "orangutan" means "person of the forest" in Malay, it's a bit of a misnomer when it comes to their color.

Here's the breakdown:

* They can be quite variable: Orangutans actually have a range of colors from reddish-brown to blonde!

* It's all about the pigment: Their color is determined by the amount of pheomelanin in their fur. This is the same pigment that gives humans red hair.

* Sunlight and diet play a role: Their color can change over time due to exposure to sunlight and their diet, which is primarily fruit.

* Not all are orange: The "orangutan" stereotype of being bright orange is mostly due to the famous Sumatran orangutan, which tends to have a more vibrant hue compared to their Bornean counterparts.

So, while the "orange" part of their name is a bit of an exaggeration, their variety of colors makes them even more fascinating!