Skin color refers to the natural pigmentation of human skin, which is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin produced in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that provides color and protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Variations in skin color can range from very light to very dark, influenced by genetic factors and environmental conditions. Different populations around the world exhibit diverse skin colors due to evolutionary adaptations to their environments. For example, people with darker skin tend to have more melanin, which offers better protection against sunburn and skin cancer in sunny regions, while those with lighter skin may have evolved in areas with less sunlight, allowing for better vitamin D synthesis.