Early humans likely had pale skin, similar to chimpanzees, which are white under their fur.
Skin Color Evolution in Early Humans
The question of what color early humans were is complex and tied to our evolutionary history. Here's a breakdown based on available evidence:
- Initial Skin Color: Early humans probably had pale skin, much like our closest living relative, the chimpanzee, whose skin is white under its fur. This suggests that our earliest ancestors, before significant hair loss, had light skin.
- Evolution of Darker Skin: Around 1.2 million to 1.8 million years ago, early Homo sapiens evolved dark skin. This adaptation is believed to have occurred as humans moved into environments with higher UV radiation.
Factors Influencing Skin Color
The evolution of skin color is influenced by several factors:
- UV Radiation: Higher levels of UV radiation can damage skin cells and DNA. Darker skin provides protection against this damage.
- Vitamin D Synthesis: Skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. In areas with low sunlight, lighter skin is advantageous because it allows for more efficient vitamin D production.