Red: more than a color. Red in nature What is red in nature

Blue is one of the three primary colors in the spectrum we see. But if there are more than enough green and red colors in the animal world, then blue is so rare that it no longer seems like a mere coincidence. But why is this color among the fauna so rare? Let's try to find a reasonable explanation using the photos and videos of the channel " Amazing Facts” (video at the end of the article).

Bright colors in all their diversity did not appear in nature immediately. So, the plumage of birds once upon a time was monophonic and inexpressive. But the vector of development dictated its conditions. The visual apparatus of birds became more perfect, and the available color gamut was wider. With the ability to recognize new elements of the surrounding world, new perspectives opened up. Appetite grew, nutritious diet became more complicated. The poultry menu has become more diverse. There are more pigments in it, the plumage is brighter.

To create a masterpiece, the artist uses a palette, brush and paint. And nature is a set of natural biological pigments of biochromes. Entering the body with food and synthesizing with at the molecular level, biochrome forms a color scheme. It provides selective absorption or reflection of sunlight and allows you to synchronize the metabolic processes of living beings with the lighting conditions of the habitat. On the other hand, the color of individual parts of plants serves to attract insects - pollinators and birds that spread seeds. The coloration of the body of animals masks them when tracking down prey and saves them from predators. And skin color poisonous snakes and frog warns enemies of danger.

The purpose of natural camouflage can be different. But if this is not a disguise, then it is always a signal that carries useful information to the desired target audience.

Carotenoids

The main biological pigments that form in the kingdom of flora and fauna all the richness of colors and shades are carotenoids - natural sources of red, yellow and orange colors, which are synthesized by bacteria, fungi, algae, higher plants and coral polyps. By the way, it is thanks to them that we know about pink flamingos. These spectacular birds are born gray and nondescript, but with age, their plumage acquires a pinkish hue due to carotene.

Quinones

Quinones are chemical compounds with oxidizing properties. Fungi, lichens and some invertebrates form a wide range of colors and shades from pale yellow to orange, red, purple, brown and almost black.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds synthesized mainly by higher plants. They color the petals of plants and the fruits of fruit trees in bright red, purple, yellow, orange, less often blue.

Melanin

Melanin is one of the most important pigments responsible for dark coloration in animals, birds, insects, plants and microorganisms. In vertebrates, it is synthesized in special cells called melanocytes. Melanin determines the color of skin and hair. For example, the color of horses, shades of fish scales, cuticles and wings of insects. In this case, the pigment scales of the wing turn black or brown.

Biological pigments tend to accumulate in various cell structures. It rarely occurs free in body fluids. So, chlorophyll, which supplies birds and butterflies with a green pigment, is concentrated in chloroplasts. Carotenoids in chromoplasts and chloroplasts, melanin in melanocytes. But as for the blue biological pigment, there is an acute shortage in the food chain and in the fauna's own pantry, that is, such a pigment is almost not produced by anyone. That is precisely why it has always been extremely difficult to catch an ultramarine bird, and birds are no exception. In the entire fauna, until now, nature has not formed an organism capable of accumulating and producing blue biological pigment. The only exception to be found in the insect world is the olive wing butterfly.

What causes the blue color in animals?

You probably already have a completely logical question: if birds, insects and mammals do not produce their own blue biological pigment, and their natural sources are negligible in food, due to what is the blue color formed in wildlife? It even became somehow offensive for blue - why the perfect nature did not take care of one of the key colors of the spectrum. After all, it is one of the colors of harmony and perfection.

In fact, nature only took care, but found an effective and almost completely independent of the composition of the diet, a method of color formation, and she worked out this technology just on the example of that very blue color. Moreover, it worked out and implemented so brilliantly that it turned out to be almost impossible to explain the use of the tool from the point of view of the theory of evolution.

Jay has blue plumage due to what?

And now let's pat the beautiful Jay by the tuft, whose blue-blue suit makes feathered competitors tremble with envy ... The frame of a bird's feather is built from a protein substance called keratin. An incredibly complex keratin structure provides the feather with aerodynamic perfection. And not only that, the feather of a jay is an ideal aerodynamic frame and an intricate set of pigmented scales of barbs and hooks, as well as a complex optical system. In fact, her blue feathers are colored with black melanin, but we do not notice this.

Waves of blue are reflected by microscopic keratin beads layered on top of the pigment, while a melanin substrate provides color frequency by absorbing red and green components. But as soon as you press on the blue pen, the reflective bubbles will burst and the pen will turn black. Depending on the brightness of the illumination of the angle of view and the size of the balls, the entire plumage shimmers in shades from light brown to blue and dark blue. Such an unusual and bright style instantly distinguishes the blue jay from some kind of goldfinch, siskin and most other defiantly bright competitors. That is, the blue color of bird feathers is determined mainly by its own structure, and not by pigments.

Butterflies - a mystery to scientists, the secret of blue color

In count bright colors and shades of butterfly wings in the world of insects remain unrivaled. With the help of color, butterflies disguise themselves from the dangers that lie in wait and signal the environment about their characteristics and preferences.

This is what a butterfly wing looks like under a microscope. We see a huge number of relief scales, some of which are pigmented, and some are optical.

The color of pigment flakes, consisting of organic molecules and acting as a substrate, depends on the biochrome included in their composition. Often, the melanin produced by the butterfly itself does an excellent job with its role.

Butterfly Blue Morpho is one of the most beautiful on earth, and at the same time its bright blue scales do not contain blue pigment at all.

The blue color is completely formed by the optical system. This is what the wing of the morph looks like under an electron microscope.

This complex geometric labyrinth, more reminiscent of an alien landscape, explains why we see blue color where it actually is not. But how does it happen? Falling on flat relief protrusions, the waves of the red and green parts of the spectrum are reflected from the upper lower surface and, being in antiphase, cancel each other out.

The reflected waves of the blue part of the spectrum resonate with each other and are perceived by our eyes without distortion. So the deep blue we see is nothing more than optical illusion. This also explains the effect of the hologram observed at different angles. Not surprisingly, finding the blue morph in the forest is not so easy. Being visible, it can suddenly disappear from view, merging with a dark tree trunk or branch. Blue morpho is a classic confirmation that the color on the wings of butterflies is formed not only by pigments, but also by the structure of the scales. If you are still in doubt, moisten the butterfly wing with a drop of alcohol-containing liquid and watch what happens. When alcohol fills the internal spatial voids, the refractive index will change and the wing will become discolored. But as soon as the alcohol dries, the cone-shaped traps will be freed from the liquid and the magic will return.

Answer to the question

Science has not yet given an unequivocal answer to the question of why blue-colored representatives of the fauna are so rare in nature, and the version linking this situation with a deficiency of natural food pigment is only one of the most probable. Also, blue and blue colors can scare away some birds of prey due to the extended range of color perception. They see blue as a very bright white light that blinds them. Therefore, this color becomes relevant only in those places where such specific predators live. In addition, the blue color contrasts so much with almost any natural environment that it often eliminates any possibility of disguise and it turns out that the blue moth is perfectly visible to ill-wishers. This means that it will be much more difficult for him to hide. Well, in general, a peacock has a place only in a zoo or in the Maharaja's garden, and that is why one of the most terrible nightmares of Darwin was a peacock feather, the appearance of which from the point of view of the theory of evolution is simply impossible.

I wonder how they all formed?

Scarlet is #fc2847 and scarlet is #ff2400. As we can see, it is not much different from the classic red. Scarlet is brighter than regular red. One can hardly speak of a large error in the perception of scarlet, or the same scarlet. In any case, this is the same red, but due to less saturation, it can be perceived a little softer.

True designers and true connoisseurs of color are able to see something new, fresh and attractive in it, but for the majority it will remain “just red”. Despite the possible perceptions and interpretations of this color, I think it is worth considering the color of scarlet as red. Still, although there are differences, they are not so significant as to display it in a separate color.

Various shades of scarlet are often associated with blood, aggression and sex - from the divine red color of the royal attire of the British queen to the vulgar color of scarlet, the red-light district in the capital of prostitutes - Amsterdam. Let's talk in more detail about its qualities.

Scarlet color in the interior.

Red objects and the environment have a persistent strong psychological effect, so interiors in which this active color occupies a dominant role come across infrequently. Decorating the interior in this color is not easy. Only professional designers do a good job with such interiors.

Accents of red in the interior

Red, without exaggeration, can be called, perhaps, one of the most emotional (the scarlet color is only slightly inferior to it). It cannot be hidden in the interior, even if it is present in the room only as accents. When using scarlet in interior decoration, it is important to remember that it should not be made the main one. In moderation, it invigorates and gives energy, and its excessive amount leads to depression, fatigue and irritability.

If we talk about such a concept as “warm” colors, then scarlet or red is the warmest, one might say, hot color. And it really makes people feel warm. If the walls are painted with it, then this room can be heated less than the same room painted blue or in green. For a very long time it was used to decorate festive tablecloths, and all because it could evoke warm feelings, and also warmed those at the table.

Often use different shades of the type: terracotta, scarlet or others. On the this moment it is customary to use it in almost any room, but the main thing is to correctly find all the shades that can match the room where it will be located. There are several shades that are used more than others in interior design.

Among the most popular shades used in interior design are brick red, scarlet and of course scarlet color. Shades of red should be selected based on the main color of the interior, and one more such important point as the style and size of the room cannot be ignored.

Many designers love this color for a reason. Using it correctly, you can turn a boring room into a masterpiece, the main thing is to skillfully use all its shades and pay attention to accents. Any of its shades look good in the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, gym and recreation areas. You should also use other colors with which red goes well.

You simply cannot do without it at festive meetings and parties. The scarlet color is very invigorating and gives energy and strength. So if you need to calm down or relax, then you should not do this in the room where this bright color dominates.

Red color in psychology.

It has always been considered aggressive, strong, fiery and denoting love and deadly struggle at the same time. It is certainly associated with love. This is the color of rage. Of all the other colors, only red can cause such a strong reaction on a physiological level - it speeds up the heartbeat, improves appetite and, accordingly, raises blood pressure.

Whatever associations you get with red, you can say for sure: emotions will always be strong.

What are people who choose red?

The psychology of red

If you love red, then you are purposeful, in many ways even aggressive. You go ahead and are always ready for the most daring and sometimes exotic experiments. You are used to getting things done and it's hard for you to resist. Scarlet or scarlet always attracts strong-willed, strong and powerful people. However, hot-tempered, sociable personalities also use it. Those who do not like this color are mostly stable in their quiet relationships, they often have an inferiority complex, they are afraid of conflicts and try to retire.

Red, like scarlet, is universally associated with holidays and entertainment.

A series of experiments made it quite clear that men, as well as women, look more attractive when they are dressed in red. For example, a waitress in a red uniform usually gets more tips from men. A girl in a red dress who votes on the freeway has a slightly better chance of getting a ride.

Sex and red.

You have probably already guessed which color is considered the sexiest color. This is perhaps the most studied effect of this color, involuntarily associated with lust, seduction and sin.

In countries where more Christian ideals are present, scarlet is associated with such concepts as premarital sex, adultery and prostitution. The color scarlet and crimson is also associated with the Christian concept of sin in the bible.

Its association with adultery is common in Europe and America. In Europe, prostitutes were required to wear red dresses, and even today in some cities where prostitutes work legally, they are called "red light streets."

Red in nature is the color of ripe berries, pomegranates and poppies. Rubies have a reddish tint. In other words, it's abundance. We always remember that red is, first of all, the color of blood, and at the same time, the color of religious sacrifices is the fiery color of the heart.

Plants in red

This is often a signal color. He can talk about danger or just scare away predators.

Red color in nature

Flowers look bright in order, on the contrary, to attract animals. Ripe berries and fruits have this color and with it change their state, from unripe green to tasty and red.

Red symbolizes many things from love and blood to courage and sacrifice. It also plays its important role in nature. A similar coloration among animals and plants usually warns others of danger and calls for outsiders to keep their distance. But people, on the contrary, most often find red plants and animals extremely attractive and try to decorate their homes with their presence. Here is a selection of 25 of the cutest ones.
25. Strawberry Poison Frog

Native to Central America from Nicaragua to Costa Rica and Panama, this frog is a small animal with a very bright color. This species usually lives in damp lowlands and foothill forests, but sometimes its large colonies can be found in such restless places as artificial plantations.

The northern cardinal is a North American bird of the cardinal family of the passerine order. This red-finned bird lives in the forests, gardens, scrub steppes and swamps of southern Canada, as well as in the eastern United States. Males are bright red, while females are dull red with an olive tint. The bird got its name for the color of its plumage, similar in color to the traditional cloaks of Catholic cardinals.

13. Eastern Red Spotted Newt

Here is a variety of eastern newt, widespread in the west North America. It lives in small lakes, ponds and rivers near forests with high humidity. This little lizard only looks fragile and defenseless. In fact, if necessary, she releases the poisonous substance tetrodotoxin, which protects her during the neighborhood with predatory fish and crabs. These newts are often kept at home.

12. Red velvet ant

Red velvet ant, German wasp or cow killer - all these names are about the same insect that lives in the eastern United States. This wasp is the largest of the velvety ants in America and reaches up to 2 cm in size. And although in fact the German wasp cannot kill a cow, its females bite painfully enough to exclaim in their hearts that you can fill up a bull with such a bite.

11. Brazilian moon snake

Known scientifically as Oxyrhopus Melanogenys, this reptile is a smooth-toothed snake from the northern part of South America. Its most noticeable feature is its bright red color, and its maximum dimensions are up to 68 cm in length.

10. Red scorpion fish

Dwells in pacific ocean near Japan and is distinguished by the rich red color of the scales and fins. This fish grows up to 76 cm in length, has large wide pectoral fins, and no swim bladder, which only exacerbates its eccentric appearance.

9. Tomato frog

Common in Madagascar, this frog is a large red-bodied frog that swells up when threatened. When a predator tries to grab a bloated frog, its skin releases a small amount of a thick substance that sticks together the opponent's eyes and mouth. A hungry animal has to release its prey in order to see again.

8 Blood Red Glider

Before you is a medium-sized butterfly, and it belongs to the Nymphalidae family, living in Central America. The back of this amazing insect blood-red in color, while the color of the ventral side varies from olive to grayish or brown.

7. Red squirrel

Also known as the Eurasian red or red squirrel, this rodent is one of the tree squirrels found throughout almost the entire Eurasian continent. The red squirrel lives in coniferous forests, and in broad-leaved groves of temperate climatic zones Europe and Siberia. The squirrel's coat changes color depending on the time of year and where it lives, but the red color is usually the most common.

6. Red-headed cardinal beetle

Familiar to the UK, this beetle is medium in size (about 2 cm long). Bright insect loves forest edges, where it is full of food in the form of small insects. The red color of the beetle scares off more large predators, for which a bright color is a signal that potential prey may be poisonous.

5. Cherry Shrimp

This variety of freshwater shrimp from Taiwan has become a popular aquarium pet. The natural color of a common shrimp is green-brown, but it is the red shrimp that is the most common inhabitant of artificial ornamental ponds because of its attractive appearance. The shrimp is omnivorous and reaches up to 4 cm in size.

4 Scarlet Macaw

This parrot lives in damp tropical forests evergreen South America, and is a large bird with bright multi-colored plumage. The scarlet macaw or macaw is one of the neotropical parrots, heavily affected by humans and almost extinct due to uncontrolled fishing and trade. Now this bird is protected by law.

3. Flat-headed lizard Mwanza-agama

Also known by the popular nickname "spiderman lizard" for its red and blue coloration, this agama lives in Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. The bright lizard prefers to hide in semi-deserts and bask on the rocks illuminated by the sun.

1. Red-veined darter

We all know the technique of memorizing the colors of the rainbow from a school article. Something similar to nursery rhyme sits deep in our memory: To every about hotnik and does h nat, G de With goes f azan. The first letter of each word means a color, and the word order is the sequence of those colors in the rainbow: to red, about range, and yellow, h green, G blue, With blue, f purple.
Rainbows are created when sunlight is refracted and reflected by water droplets floating in the atmosphere. These droplets deflect and reflect light of different colors (wavelengths) in different ways: less red, more violet. As a result, white sunlight is decomposed into a spectrum, the colors of which smoothly transition into each other through many intermediate shades. The rainbow is the clearest example of what visible white light is made of.

However, from the point of view of the physics of light, there are no colors in nature, but there are certain wavelengths that the object reflects. This combination (overlay) of reflected waves, falling on the retina of the human eye, is perceived by it as the color of an object. For example, green color birch leaf means that its surface absorbs all wavelengths of the solar spectrum, except for the wavelength of the green part of the spectrum and the wavelengths of those colors that determine its hue. Or Brown color school blackboard our eye perceives as reflected wavelengths of blue, red and yellow wavelengths of varying intensity.

White, which is a mixture of all the colors of sunlight, means that the surface of an object reflects almost all wavelengths, while black reflects almost nothing. Therefore, one cannot speak of "pure" white or "pure" black colors, since the complete absorption of radiation or its complete reflection in nature is practically impossible.

But artists can't paint with wavelengths. They operate with real paints, and even a rather limited set (they will not carry more than 10,000 tones and shades with them in an easel). Just like in a printing house, an infinite number of colors cannot be stored. The science of color mixing is one of the most fundamental for those who work with images, including airbrushing. A huge number of tables and guides have been compiled to obtain the desired colors and their shades. For example, these*:

or

The human eye is the most versatile mixing device. Studies have shown that it is most sensitive to only the three primary colors: blue, red-orange, and green. The information received from the excited cells of the eye is transmitted along the nerve pathways to the cerebral cortex, where complex processing and correction of the received data takes place. As a result, a person perceives what he sees as a single color picture. It has been established that the eye perceives a huge number of intermediate shades of color and colors obtained from mixing light of different wavelengths. In total, there are up to 15,000 color tones and shades.
If the retina loses the ability to distinguish any color, then the person loses it. For example, there are people who are unable to distinguish green from red.

Based on this feature of human color perception, the RGB color model was created ( Red red, Green green, Blue blue) for printing full-color images, including photographs.

A little apart here is the gray color and its shades. Gray is obtained by combining the three primary colors - red, green and blue - in equal concentrations. Depending on the brightness of these colors, the gray tone changes from black (0% brightness) to white (100% brightness).

Thus, all colors found in nature can be created by mixing the basic three colors and changing their intensity.

* Tables are taken from the public domain on the Internet.

Red is the most striking color in the range. It is not for nothing that all warning signs and signals are highlighted in red - it is always noticed. In nature, red speaks of danger, but what else can red say? We will try to reveal the meaning, symbolism and psychology of red and its shades in this article.

The symbolism of red

What does the red color say?

During the existence of mankind, red has been used in various cults, religious and everyday rituals. Gradually, it acquired a certain cultural and philosophical significance. The symbolism of red is rich and controversial:

• Wisdom and power;
• Joy and wealth;
• Fire and heat;
• Blood;
• Energy and masculinity;
• carnal desires;
• Love and beauty;
• Passion and sexuality;
• Aggressiveness;
• Enmity, war, revenge;
• Strength, determination;
• Endurance and immunity;
• Anxiety;
• Self-confidence and self-realization;
• Fear;
• Sinfulness;
• Vital energy.

Significance in world culture and mythology

• Purple is the color of the toga of the Caesars in ancient Rome.
• In Sparta, warriors wore red clothes when they went into battle.
• The ancient Roman commanders, having won, painted their faces with red paint, in honor of the god of war, Mars.
• AT ancient egypt the red color belonged to the god of evil Sutekh.
• In Christianity, scarlet represents the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
• The color of the mantle of kings in the European tradition is purple.
• In African countries, kings and leaders passed the death sentence only in red, it was the color of the rulers.
• Neanderthals painted the body of the deceased red, which symbolized life after death.
• In China, a frank person is referred to as a "red heart".
• In Eastern cultures, participants in the marriage ceremony dressed in red.

Meaning in heraldry

Among the crusaders, the red color on the coats of arms and banners meant love for God, and readiness for battle.

In the European tradition, red means power, strength, war, law, courage, courage.

Also, red symbolizes rebellion, the struggle for independence, revolution.

The banner of victory over the Reichstag was red

The psychology of color

Each person has preferences in choosing colors for your clothes and your home. And over time, these preferences change. It is believed that the symbolism of the color makes it attractive: if you want to look at red all the time, it means that there are not enough emotions associated with this color in life. If the red color suddenly begins to irritate, then a period in life has come when you should “recharge” with calm energy.

Who loves?

What can be said about a person if his favorite color is red? Fans of red and its shades are strong, energetic, passionate, impulsive natures. As red crowns the spectrum, so do its lovers strive for leadership. "Red" people constantly compete and win.

Red is the most powerful color in the palette.

The main words that can be used to describe red lovers are “I want” and “I can”. They are very goal-oriented and optimistic by nature.

By nature, among the admirers of red, there are most of all extroverts, eager to live and enjoy life. Red is often chosen by maximalists.

There are also back side medals: often lovers of red are aggressive and intolerant, their behavior sins with stubbornness and self-confidence. Such people hate advice, their actions often border on recklessness.

Who doesn't love?

Dislike for red can mean a desire for peace. Red is the color of strong emotions, its aggressiveness and pressure repel people with a weak or unstable psyche, suffering from an inferiority complex. Also, the red color causes rejection in tired people or those in an irritated state.

Scarlet, crimson, cherry ...

The perception of color depends on the time of day, lighting, structural features of the eyes and the nervous system of each person. There are many shades of red, also having a certain symbolism.

Who wears red?

“Unsure what to wear? Wear red!"

Bill Blass, fashion designer

If a woman chooses a red color in clothes, it means that she is not afraid to attract glances to herself, she feels relaxed and confident. The red color in a man's clothes speaks of his determination, dominance and militancy.

Red is combined with almost any color, the main thing is to choose shades and not depend on someone else's opinion when choosing an outfit. The most popular combinations of red with neutral colors: white, gray and black. Red goes well with related colors: purple, burgundy, pink. Even the combination of red and green, condemned for vulgarity, looks very modern today.

In a combination of red with other colors, the main thing is to choose the right shades and proportions.

"Bloody" interior

Red color is able to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth in the interior. Red color makes the room temperature higher by several degrees. However, you should not overdo it with color in a home interior, because prolonged contemplation of red can lead to irritability and aggression.

Too much red in the interior causes fatigue and irritability

Small details of red color can give the interior sophistication.

Decorating office interiors with shades of red is not recommended. In the first minutes, the red color increases efficiency, but after 20 minutes of adaptation, it builds up fatigue and leads to conflicts.

The red color is widely used in catering establishments, as its energy helps to increase appetite, but at the same time does not allow customers to stay at the table for a long time.

Invigorating or tiring? Physiology and color therapy

Red color promotes the production of adrenaline and accelerates the functioning of the endocrine glands. Shades of red cause a rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing, which can provoke an increase in blood pressure.

Red color can make muscles more elastic and joints more mobile.

Red is the perfect color for fitness centers

With the help of the exciting effect that the color red has on nervous system you can fight depression, melancholy and neurasthenia. The main thing here is not to overdo it with color therapy.

Children's anemia is also treated with the help of red, as it tends to stimulate appetite.

In alternative medicine, treatment with red has long been a practice. So, for example, in Ancient China to get rid of traces of smallpox, they put on clothes made of scarlet silk and basked in the sun.

In Kabbalistic beliefs, it is common to wear a red thread on the left wrist from the evil eye.

Celebrity Red Thread Talisman Bracelet

Vayurveda red symbolizes vitality Therefore, patients are laid on red sheets. Traditional healers advise wrapping a red thread around a bruise so that the pain subsides and healing goes faster.

To cure barley, you need to tie a red thread in the form of a figure eight on the ring and middle fingers. If the stye is on the right eye, the hand should be on the left and vice versa.

Fiery color - fiery relationships

Red has always been associated with love, sexuality, feelings and relationships, and the birth of life.

Red lingerie makes a woman irresistible

Red is the color of eroticism, passion and sex. Red clothes attract men's eyes to a woman, and fiery red underwear excites and pushes for intercourse.

Video - incredibly beautiful song about a woman in red

In China and Japan, there is a belief about the red thread of fate: a woman and a man are connected to each other by it. The red thread is invisible, it gradually shrinks until fate brings two destined for each other together.

Everyday life in red

Any person, regardless of how he relates to red, in his Everyday life confronts him constantly. It is they who are allocated holidays calendar, it is under the red traffic light that we stand in anticipation of a free path, in each apartment there is a tap with hot water and a red mark on it, and a good half of the vegetables, fruits and berries that we eat are red.

Red is a warm natural color that has acquired a special symbolism for a person. You can love it or not love it, but ignore it or not notice it, it just won't work.