Indigenous groups around the world have different skin colors because of a few main reasons related to their environments and history. Here’s a simple explanation:
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Sunlight: The main reason for skin color differences is the amount of sunlight in different areas. In places with a lot of sun, like near the equator, people have darker skin. This is because darker skin helps protect against the sun's harmful rays. In colder, cloudier places, like northern regions, people usually have lighter skin. Lighter skin can help them absorb more sunlight to make vitamin D.
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Genetics: Over many generations, groups of people have passed down their traits, including skin color, from parents to children. This is called genetics. So, the skin color of indigenous people often reflects what their ancestors had.
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Adaptation: People adapted to their surroundings. For instance, those living in warmer climates developed darker skin to cope with the heat and sun. Those in colder climates adapted differently, leading to lighter skin.
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Cultural Practices: Sometimes, cultural traditions, like clothing and rituals that involve the sun or the environment, can also influence how people think about skin color and how they live.
In summary, the differences in skin color among indigenous groups are mostly due to where they live, how much sun they get, and their family history!