The Biology of Skin Color — HHMI BioInteractive Video
biointeractive・2 minutes read
Human skin color variation is explained through anthropology and genetics, with melanin playing a crucial role in protecting against UV radiation. The evolution of skin color relates to the need for protection from UV radiation and the necessity of UV for vitamin D synthesis, leading to different adaptations in various populations.
Insights
- Skin color in humans evolved through natural selection, with darker skin near the equator and lighter skin at the poles to adapt to UV exposure levels.
- The evolution of human skin color reflects a delicate balance between protection from UV radiation and the need for vitamin D synthesis, leading to adaptations like supplement intake in populations with limited sun exposure.
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Recent questions
How does human skin color vary?
Human skin color ranges from rich, dark brown to pinkish white, with most falling in between these extremes.
What is the role of melanin in the skin?
Melanin, a pigment in the skin, protects against harmful UV radiation by absorbing it, influencing the variation in human skin color.
Where did dark skin evolve and why?
Dark skin evolved in equatorial Africa around 1.2 million years ago to provide a survival advantage by protecting against UV radiation, which breaks down essential nutrients like folate.
Why did lighter skin evolve in some populations?
Lighter skin evolved in populations moving to higher latitudes to allow for vitamin D synthesis from UVB radiation, balancing the need for protection from UV radiation and the necessity of UV for vitamin D synthesis.
How do cultural adaptations impact skin color?
Cultural adaptations, such as supplement intake, are necessary for maintaining health in dark-skinned individuals in regions with limited UV exposure, as skin color is a flexible trait influenced by evolution and independent of other physical or behavioral characteristics.
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Summary
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Evolution of Human Skin Color Adaptations
- Human skin color varies from rich, dark brown to pinkish white, with most falling in between.
- The variation in human skin color was once a scientific mystery but is now understood through anthropology and genetics.
- Skin color in humans evolved through natural selection, influenced by melanin in the skin.
- Melanin, a pigment in the skin, protects against harmful UV radiation by absorbing it.
- The distribution of skin color correlates with UV exposure, with darker skin near the equator and lighter skin at the poles.
- Genetic studies show that dark skin evolved in equatorial Africa around 1.2 million years ago.
- Dark skin provided a survival advantage by protecting against UV radiation, which breaks down essential nutrients like folate.
- Lighter skin evolved in populations moving to higher latitudes to allow for vitamin D synthesis from UVB radiation.
- Different gene variants associated with skin color evolved multiple times in various populations over the last 10,000 years.
- The evolution of human skin color is a result of balancing the need for protection from UV radiation and the necessity of UV for vitamin D synthesis.
17:13
Vitamin D supplements for dark-skinned individuals
- Dark-skinned individuals in regions with limited UV exposure, like Scandinavia or Minnesota, may require vitamin D supplements for optimal health due to inadequate sun exposure.
- Cultural adaptations, such as supplement intake, are necessary for maintaining health, as skin color is a flexible trait influenced by evolution and independent of other physical or behavioral characteristics.
