Student Tribune
Dr. Daniel Tyree (Anthropology) Presents at Filling Station
On Friday, March 01, during College Hour (12-12:50 p.m.), in 8-200, Dr.
Daniel Tyree (Anthropology) will present his talk "Variation in Human Skin
Color: Evolution and Adaptation." This presentation is the second installment
in this season's Filling Station: a Faculty Research Presentation Series.
According to Tyree, "variation in human skin color is mainly the result of
differing concentrations of the pigment eumelanin (brown and black) within the
epidermis. One of the primary functions of eumelanin is to protect the body
from the effects of ultra-violet radiation (UVR). Under conditions of intense
UVR, the primary selective pressure is to minimize the degradation of the
vitamin folate, which is essential for the proper development of the fetus.
Consequently, increased eumelanin (darker skin) is favored in high UVR regions
(tropics) to ensure successful reproduction. However, since humans get most of
their vitamin D from UVR, a total protection from UV is not desirable. Hence, a
reduction of eumelanin is essential in areas of low UV exposure (higher
latitudes) to allow production of enough vitamin D. Ultimately variation in
human skin color is the evolutionary result of an adaptive balance between
folate degradation and vitamin D production." The event is free and open to the
entire MCC community.
Leuzzi, Anthony
English/Philosophy
02/26/2019