DaveC426913 said:Not sure how vitD plays into skin colour.
Borek said:Combine dark skin and lack of light for half a year... Lack of melanin is an adaptation.
I alwys figured it was because they are a relatively recent migration to the area.cosmos 2.0 said:Maybe inuits (natives) in Alaska have darker skin due to their diet rich in vit d.
I was under the same impression, but they migrated from a similar latitude across the Bering strait (at least that's the theory) which means they were in similar conditions on the other side of pacific(and for how long were they there?).DaveC426913 said:I always figured it was because they are a relatively recent migration to the area.
But you're right; they wouldn't have been able to migrate into the area (and survive) without some sort of adaptation for getting enough vitD.
People of different climates have different skin colors because of their adaptation to their environment. The amount of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color, in a person's skin is determined by their genes. In areas with high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as near the equator, people have darker skin to protect them from the harmful effects of the sun. In areas with lower levels of UV radiation, such as near the poles, people have lighter skin to absorb more sunlight and produce vitamin D.
The sun affects skin color by stimulating the production of melanin in the skin. UV radiation from the sun causes the skin to produce more melanin as a protective measure against sun damage. The more UV exposure a person has, the darker their skin will become. This is why people who live in areas with higher levels of UV radiation, such as near the equator, tend to have darker skin tones.
Yes, there are other factors besides the sun that can contribute to skin color. Genetics play a major role in determining a person's skin color. People inherit genes from their parents that determine the amount of melanin produced in their skin. Additionally, environmental factors such as diet and certain medical conditions can also affect skin color.
Yes, a person's skin color can change over time. As people age, their skin tends to become lighter due to a decrease in melanin production. Additionally, factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can also cause changes in skin color. However, these changes are usually gradual and not drastic.
Yes, there is a scientific reason for the diversity of skin colors among humans. As humans migrated to different parts of the world, their skin color adapted to the level of UV radiation in their new environment. This is an example of natural selection, where certain traits become more prevalent in a population in response to their environment. The diversity of skin colors among humans is a result of this adaptation to different climates and levels of UV radiation.