Hi all,
I majored in Zoology in college and had several genetics classes.  I
also took some anthropology courses.  I have a question, and I just
can't remember what (or if) we learned about it in the classes I took.
 (I graduated in '95, and now my memory is like a sieve).

>From what I remember, humans developed - through evolution - differing
skin colorations due to the amount of melanin in their skin.  Those
living closest or on the equator tended to have darker skin to protect
them from the damage that the sun can cause, and those further away
from the equator had lighter skin.

First question, am I recalling that logic correctly?

Second question... I've noticed in people of African descent that the
bottoms of their feet and the palms of their hands are much lighter
(in most cases) than the rest of their body's skin.  So my question is
.... why?  Is there an evolutionary component to that?  Was there a
"benefit" (genetically, evolutionally speaking) to that?


Thanks!
Kathryn
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