That shows how much I know don't know... I always assumed that in evolutionary terms; the branch of humankind with modern-day charcoal skin; evolved that way from countless eons of generations getting sun-burnt; where their skin eventually became blacker... as a form of coping mechanism whilst wandering around all day naked in the sun; like an evolutionary advantage? LOL... But on second thoughts; with the way many of our aboriginal and African brothers get treated by 'whittie'; it could be argued the other way around - that it is no evolutionary advantage at all...
Actually that was probably a really bad example. Late night responses after a few wines.
As I said in the post above there are a variety of reasons. And yes, you are right, for humans, the primary reason is supposed to be the increased melatonin protects against uv damage and also the need to synthesise Vitamin D. Vitamin D production is triggered by UVB radiation. Melanin scatters UVB so if you live in an area of low UV radiation (Northern Latitudes) you need less melanin ie lighter skins.
But first principles apply.
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