[Anthropological aspects of skin color].

The highly variable spectrum of colors of human skin depends primarily on differences in the activity of the melanocytes and the melanin content, besides other pigments such as carotenoids. In case of a homogenous early-man-color, the following moments may be relevant for the genetic differentiation: primary factors (latitude, climate, radiation), secondary (vegetation, morbific agents) and tertiary (nutritional status, diseases) factors. They modify selection, resulting from population movement, adaptation to new habitats, and temporary isolation. Regarding the protective function of the integument against solar radiation several ways should be considered: hyperpigmentation, additional keratinization, increased deposition of carotenoids, and hypopigmentation.