What does banding refer to in rabbit coloration?

Banding in rabbit coloration refers to the phenomenon where a hair shaft has various colors along its length. This means that each individual hair can display a gradient of colors, typically characterized by a lighter base and darker tips, contributing to a multicolored effect in the rabbit’s coat. This characteristic is particularly evident in certain breeds and color patterns, enhancing the rabbit’s appearance with a rich, complex coloration.

Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing and appreciating the diversity in rabbit fur types and patterns. In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of coat color or patterns that do not accurately describe banding. For example, the idea of a solid color pattern restricts the definition to uniformity, while a single layer of uniform color eliminates any variation among the hair fibers. Similarly, the notion of only dark color does not capture the essence of banding, which incorporates multiple colors within the same hair strand.