ANTH 1001 Chapter : Chapter 5 Human Biology
Document Summary
Three substances give the skin its color: hemoglobin, carotene and melanin(m. The most important, melanin, is produced in skin cells called melanocytes. All humans have the same number of melanocytes. But the amount of melanin produced along with the size of the melanin. The production of melanin is proportionally linked with uv rays. Dark skin contains so much melanin that very little uv radiation can pen. Skin color shows more variation within sub-saharan africa than in. Consequence of humans inhabiting this area longer than any othe. Several selective pressures probably had an important influence d. Shows a latitudinal gradient, being most intense at the equa. It also shows an elevational gradient, being more intense at. Dark skin acts as a natural "sun block. " Australia is the country with the highest sk. The late onset of skin cancer may reduce it. Induces mutation in skin, which leads to skin cancers. Dark skin acts as a natural sun block.
