How have the historic levels of melanin in human populations change due to migration? Is it humans that produce more melanin became more common as populations migrated away from the equator or is it humans that produce less melanin became more common as populations migrated away from the equator or is it humans that produce more melanin became more common as populations migrated towards the equator or is it humans that produce less melanin became more common populations migrated towards the equator?
The historic levels of melanin in human populations have generally changed as populations migrated away from or towards the equator.
As populations migrated away from the equator to regions with less UV radiation, humans that produce less melanin became more common. This is because melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and provides protection against the harmful effects of excessive UV radiation. In regions with lower levels of UV radiation, less melanin production was needed to provide sufficient protection.
On the other hand, as populations migrated towards the equator to regions with higher UV radiation, humans that produce more melanin became more common. Increased melanin production provided better protection against the intense UV radiation prevalent near the equator, reducing the risk of skin damage and related health issues.
It's important to note that migration patterns and the resulting changes in melanin levels across populations are complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic adaptations, natural selection, and interbreeding between different populations.