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pigmentation
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World map using a gradient from dark brown to light beige to show the distribution of skin color variations among indigenous populations prior to European colonization. Darker tones are concentrated near the equator, especially in Africa, southern Asia, northern Australia, and parts of the Americas, while lighter tones appear in northern and higher latitude regions.
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pigmentation

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World map using a gradient from dark brown to light beige to show the distribution of skin color variations among indigenous populations prior to European colonization. Darker tones are concentrated near the equator, especially in Africa, southern Asia, northern Australia, and parts of the Americas, while lighter tones appear in northern and higher latitude regions.
map The global distribution of human skin colour is a well-defined example of genetic variation in which differential selective pressures favoured different characteristics in skin colour that conferred a survival advantage. Selective pressures for skin colour correlate with regional climate factors, such as latitude and sunlight. For example, the first populations of humans to settle in northern regions of the world were under selective pressure that favoured light skin colour to facilitate the absorption of sunlight, thereby preventing premature death from debilitating bone diseases.

Pigmentation refers to the natural coloring of living organisms, such as people, animals, and plants, due to the presence of pigments. These pigments are chemical compounds that absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, creating the colors we see.1234

In animals and plants, pigments can be found in various locations. In plants, they contribute to the colors of flowers, fruits, and leaves, like the green chlorophyll. In animals, pigments are often in skin derivatives like hair, feathers, or scales, and also within skin cells themselves. Specialized cells called melanocytes produce melanin, a key pigment responsible for skin and hair color in humans and other mammals. Melanin helps protect the skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.3567

There are different types of pigments, including carotenoids (yellow, orange, red) and tetrapyrroles (like heme in blood and chlorophyll in plants). The amount and type of pigment produced determine the specific coloration of an organism.35867

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8 Britannica Sources
  1. pigmentation
  2. coloration - Chemical and biochemical features
  3. pigmentation
  4. melanocyte
  5. coloration - Carotenoids
  6. surface coating - Colour pigments
  7. coloration - Bilins
  8. human skin - Pigmentation

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