Abstract
Human skin colour has evolved independently in different regions as an adaptation to varing geographic environments, closely related to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. For example, white skin color tends to become lighter at higher altitudes, UVR level typically decrease with altitude. Since human skin is directly exposed to sunlight, UVR significantly impacts its characteristics. This paper primarily examines the effects of UVR on skin and its relationship to the skin colour evolution through the lens of natural selection. Additionally, we explore the roles of folate and vitamin D in skin colour variation, noting that UVR influences their levels, which in turn can lead to health conditions. We conclude that folate, vitamin D, and UVR levels are critical factors in human skin colour evolution.
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