What term describes the remarkable color variation exhibited by Naja nivea across its range?
Answer
Polymorphism
The extensive range of coloration seen in the Cape Cobra—from pale cream to rich gold, brown, and solid black—is scientifically termed polymorphism. This phenomenon indicates that a single species expresses multiple distinct physical forms (morphs) within the same population or across its geographical range. This variation is not random but often linked to local environmental pressures, such as soil color or available vegetation, influencing which color morph provides the best camouflage, thereby driving localized selective advantages for different pigmentation expressions.
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