Can anyone explain the evolution of skin color in Darwin's theory?

Question

I need to know what Darwin says about how people got different skin colors. Were there black monkeys, white monkeys, etc.

I'm not trying to be funny...I really need to know. Thanks

Answer 1

First, get rid of this idea that different humans evolved from different monkeys.  That's not how it works at all.

According to the fossil evidence, DNA evidence, geological evidence, etc. etc. ...

The early primates split about 35 million years ago into two branches ... one of which were the ancestors to all the modern monkey species ... and the other branch were the ancestors to all the modern ape species.  The ape branch itself branched again and again first the gibbons (lesser apes) and "great apes" branched ... then the great apes branched into the ancestors to modern orangutans, modern gorillas, modern chimps and bonobos, and modern humans.

The splitting of our branch from the other apes occurred about 4 million years ago.  And the branching did not stop ... since then, our branch in fact split into a small number of other branches (like Neanderthal) but these all went extinct except for Homo sapiens.

Homo sapiens has been around in its current form for about 200,000 years ... and began a pattern of *long* migrations out of Africa about 70,000 years ago.

The different skin colors are explained by Darwin's theory as follows:  

1. There is always normal variation in pigmentation in *any* population of humans ... some people are slightly darker and some slightly lighter.

2.  In populations living for hundreds of generations near the equator, those with slightly darker skin (more melanin) have better protection against the more direct sunlight.  They have fewer skin-related health problems, tire less, endure hot days better, and all-around are more successful over their lifespans.  As a result, these individuals with slightly darker skin live longer, and leave more offspring.  So over time ... many many generations, the skin coloring in these populations gets darker and darker.

3. In populations away from the equator the opposite happens.  Those with slightly lighter skin (less melanin) are better able to produce Vitamin D in the more indirect sunlight.  They have fewer health problems due to Vitamin D deficiency, such as calcium or phosphorous problems, thyroid problems, or immune system problems, and all-around are more successful over their lifespans.  As a result, these individuals with slightly lighter skin live longer, and leave more offspring.  So over time ... many many generations, the skin coloring in these populations gets lighter and lighter.

Answer 2

No you are not serious or you would not have made the monkey statement.

Answer 3

The amount of melanin varies in humans because they occupy a great variety of latitudes.  Our bodies need sunshine to make vitamin D.  In higher latitudes, it is more beneficial to not block as much of the ultra violet to get a more ideal amount of vitamin D from the limited amount of sunlight.  If you live near the tropics, you need darker skin to allow you be outside for extended periods without burning.  According to Darwin's line of reasoning, people are lighter skinned at higher altitudes because it gives them a survival value.  Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium so not getting the ideal amount of it would cause selection pressures just like getting sunburned is a negative in the tropics.

Answer 4

i was going to answer but all that should be said has already...