Why do Africans have dark skin if black color attracts heat (4 photos)

In the summer, the optimal color for clothing has always been white. This is especially true in hot countries where the intensity of solar radiation is maximum. But why then did nature endow the inhabitants of the hottest regions of Africa with dark skin? Wouldn't it be easier for them to live in their climate with white skin?







We have known since childhood that the darker the object, the more intensely it absorbs the sun's rays and heats up more. Owners of dark cars know this firsthand. Such vehicles heat up in the sun so much that it is difficult to stay inside. But light-colored objects do not become so hot and at the same time cool down faster. It seems that this rule should work in the same way with people, but in reality everything is much more complicated.



The main enemy of a person in the sun is not an increase in temperature. Ultraviolet radiation is much more dangerous. With a relatively short exposure, the rays simply dry out the skin, causing burns and wrinkles. But if ultraviolet radiation acts on the skin for a long time, it changes the DNA of cells and causes cancer. Evolution has taken good care of humans, providing our body with many protective systems. Some of them work successfully, such as goosebumps. Others, such as wool, have almost disappeared as unnecessary. We also have UV protection, which is quite effective. Melanin is a substance produced by skin cells that helps neutralize dangerous radiation. The higher the level of ultraviolet radiation, the more melanin. It is to him that we owe our tan. If you're well tanned on the beach, it may look attractive, but it's unlikely to be beneficial for your skin. A tan, or more precisely, a high melanin content, signals the body’s fight against external danger.



Climate and skin color The inhabitants of Africa have a different skin structure than ours. Due to the fact that the people of the Dark Continent have lived under the scorching sun for thousands of years, their genetics provide for a constant high content of melanin in skin cells. If not for this adaptation, the population of the hottest countries would simply die out within a few generations. It has long been known that East Africa is the cradle of humanity. It was from what is now Ethiopia that people spread throughout the world. But why then are we all different and not dark-skinned? Everything is explained very simply. The evolutionary process of darkening turned out to be reversible. Settling in places where the sun shines moderately and there is a clear change of seasons, people gradually lost their protection and became lighter in color.



But this raises another important question - why didn’t African Americans turn blonde? We can reassure you - a miracle does not happen and they are gradually becoming lighter. It’s just that more than one generation must change for this to become noticeable. In the meantime, people from Africa stand out noticeably among whites in countries with temperate and cold climates. But it won't always be like this.