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Skin Color Biology

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In the video, The Biology of Skin Color, Dr. Nina Jablonski explains “that the variation in skin color that evolved since our human ancestors migrated out of Africa can be explained by the tradeoff between protection from UV and the need for some UV absorption for the production of vitamin D” (Dr. Jablonski). What I found most interesting was that genes can influence skin and hair pigmentation in many ways. The overall color of the skin results from both the number of pigment-making cells which are called melanocytes and their level of activity. Nearly all skin types possess the ability to tan. Tanning is caused by an exposure to UV radiation which results in the simulation of melanin production in the body. Currently over 20 genes have been …show more content…

The reason racism should be outlawed is simple. The biology behind the difference in skin color is a very complex, but to simplify it, the only commonly known difference is melanin production within your skin cells. Pigmentation is predominantly due to the existence of an important pigment called melanin, which is coordinated by 6 genes. Everyone has melanin, light and dark people. “Nonetheless, two forms are produced--pheomelanin , which is red to yellow in color, and eumelanin , which is dark brown to black“(Lisa Bodnar). Skin color has created a diverse population in society as we know it. Differences within race among various populations conclude that there was more than one evolutionary event. Today, while we don’t have fossil skin from our African hominin ancestors (Homo erectus), it’s probable that they were dark, as are African populations now. Earlier ancestors may have had lighter skin. Now, take a look at our closest relatives, chimps and gorillas, their skin the actual parts underneath the hair are unpigmented. Only the parts exposed to UV are pigmented. The color of our early ancestors was probably fairly light. (Jerry A.

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