The first humans on Earth most certainly had a dark complexion.
Why Dark Skin First?
According to scientific consensus, modern humans originated in Northeast Africa, a region characterized by a very warm climate and intense sunlight. In this environment, darker skin proved advantageous:
- Protection from UV Radiation: Darker skin provides significantly more protection against the damaging effects of strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This is because darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen.
The Evolution of Skin Color
While the earliest humans had dark skin, skin color evolved over time as populations migrated to different parts of the world with varying levels of sunlight. Populations that moved to regions with less sunlight experienced a selective pressure favoring lighter skin, which allows for greater vitamin D production.
