I’m not asking about dark or light. I’m asking why not shades of blue or green?
Bonus question: hypothetically, what factors could lead to other skin colors, like the aliens in avatar?
In: 18
Melanin is the pigment that evolved long ago in common ancestors of mammals that have melanocytes (cells that make melanin). And it is likely that color because it is the one that is best at absorbing the type of harmful radiation from the sun that causes damage to DNA.
It also is good for blending in with trees – a little bit of camouflage never hurts.
But the primary reason has to do with protecting against the harmful effects of the sun
Latest Answers