HUMAN EVOLUTIONARY TRAIT

Explaining Variations in Skin Color

Skin color is one of the most important aspects of our
human evolutionary lineage. Throughout

the progression of
time and selection based on natural selection, our skin has
been our protective barrier against ever-changing
environmental factors. Over the past 1.2 million years this
key phenotypic expression has led to variations in skins
hyperpigmentation based on location.

What is melanin?
Melanin is a dark pigment made by the melanocytes
in the epidermis layer of our skin. All humans are
equipped with the same amount of melanocytes
within their skin, however the variation comes from
the actual levels of melanin that these melanocytes
produce. Individuals with darker skin pigmentation
produce more melanin that those with lighter skin
pigmentation.
(Crane-Kramer, 2015, pg 160)

Geographical Variation
The visible variation of skin color is demonstrated through our
early on ancestors; those that lived near the equator had
higher levels of melanin and thus darker skin. Furthermore, this
pattern is also seen in opposite conditions as early on humans
living near near the poles had decreased levels of melanin and
thus lighter skin pigmentation. This variation is especially seen
in our ancestors who spent the majority of their time outside
under direct UV sunlight exposure. In response to higher UV
exposure, the body produces more melanin as a natural skin
protectant or sun block. This degree of sunlight exposure is
one of the key indicators in the melanin production.
(Crane-Kramer, 2015, pg 160)

Melanin as protective force

and reproductive advantage
One of the most potentially damaging
affects of strong UVR is that it attacks and
reduces human folate levels. Folate levels
are essential for healthy red blood cell
formation, cell growth, and are crucial in
fetal development. This is where we see the
selection for increased levels of melanin in
those individuals living in areas of high UVR
exposure, as a way to prevent excessive
breakdown of folate.
Melanin Punnet Square
Melanin is considered a dominant phenotype.
Currently it is estimated that less than 150
genes have either a direct or indirect effect
on skin pigmentation. However this is a rough
estimation as melanin is a phenotype and is
thus influenced heavily by the natural
environment and sun exposure.
(Crane-Kramer, 2015, pg 160)

Variation in Skin Color in the New World

The prevalence of the geographic influence on melanin levels is still a common trend seen
today. The cline for darker skin near higher UV locations to lighter skin in areas of lower UV is
still seen, however not as clear cut as it once was.
(Crane-Kramer, 2015, pg 160)

MELANIN Related Illustrations

EXPRESSION
Melanin is present
throughout the entirety of
our lives, however it has the
potential to decrease
gradually with age or
environmental factors. Its
effects branch beyond just
skin pigmentation to the
brain, hair and eye color.
(Naik, P.P &Farrukh, 2022, pg 27)

References Introduction to Human Evolution, Gillian Crane-Kramer, 2015

Influence of Ethnicities and Skin Color Variations in Different Populations,
Naik, P.P & Farrukh, 2022