Human skin pigmentation as an environment adaptation

Abstract

The evolutionary history of humankind is a reflection of its biological and cultural diversity. However, such variety has been repeatedly used as an instrument for marginalization and discrimination amongst people, who do not consider the human species-developing circumstances that have favored our current diversity. In the present work, we review some research about skin pigmentation. A range of studies shows that dermis pigmentation variety is caused by differences in UV-radiation exposure and its effects on human metabolism and on reproduction. Likewise, evidence indicates that people who live in regions near the equator required increased pigmentation (melanin production) to protect DNA and other biomolecules from the harmful effects of solar radiation; while in latitudes with less UV-radiation exposure, lightly pigmented skin facilitated vitamin D synthesis in populations established towards the north of the equator.

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