radiative heat loss in relation to evolutionary aspects of melanin pigmentation in man

1. Abstract The degree of epidermal melanisation in humans is discussed in relation to the possible evolutionary benefits that may be associated with the known properties of the pigment. These include photo protection both by radiation absorption and free radical scavenging, genoprotective effects through the oxidative initiation of apoptosis, and heavy-metal binding and excretion. An aspect that has hitherto received little attention is the possibility that the degree of melanisation may influence the efficiency of heat loss and contribute to temperature homeostasis. 2. Keywords: Emissivity; Evolution; Infra-Red Radiation; Melanin