Why Do Humans Have Such Diverse Skin Colors?

Imagine your skin is like a sponge that can absorb or block sunlight. People with darker skin have more melanin, which acts like a stronger sponge and blocks more sunlight. People in regions where the sun is very strong, like Africa, often have more melanin to protect them from the heat of the sun. But if you move somewhere with less sun, like Europe or Asia, your body might make less melanin over time.

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Examples

  1. Just like some people have darker hair than others, different levels of melanin give people different skin tones.
  2. A person who lives in a sunny place for many years might gradually develop a tanner complexion.
  3. Melanin acts as a natural sun shield, helping protect the body from too much sunlight.

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