ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Melanin theory

Melanin is a substance that is found in plants, animals, and humans. It gives our skin, eyes, hair, and some internal organs their color. In humans, the amount of melanin that we have determines our skin color, ranging from very pale to very dark. The more melanin a person has, the darker their skin. The melanin theory explains why some people have darker skin color than others, by saying it is because they have more melanin in them. Some people have less melanin, so their skin is lighter. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin will be. It is also thought that the amount of melanin a person has can affect the way their body works and their personality.
Related topics others have asked about: