1. Skin Color Factors  Melanin - Pigment in skin, eyes, hair  Carotene - a copper-colored pigment  Skin Thickness  Reflection of Blood Vessels

2. Skin Color Distribution

3. Why? Natural Selection  Reduces frequency of skin cancer  Reduces likelihood of severe sunburn which interferes with sweating  Melanin screens sunlight passing through skin –Regulates Vit. D. Production –Which Regulates deposition of Calcium  Too Much> Calcification of soft tissues  Too Little> Rickets; Reduced Size of Birth Canal