Origin of Eye, Hair and Skin color

Eye, hair, and skin color differences are all result of genetic mutation. Haha mutation may sound scary, but it in fact occur rather frequently as we pass our genes from 1 generation to the next.

Now we know these lighter genes originated from northern Europe, why do they evolved lighter genes? Geographical location is a good indicator of how much sunlight these folks are getting. Lighter skin absorbs sunlight (or rather UV radiation from the sun) better. Vitamin D is then made in our skin. However, sunlight exposure carries a number of risks, one of which - skin cancer.

No one really knows our ancestors exact skin, hair and eye color. By theory of natural selection it seem lighter skin adapts better to the conditions in norther Europe, those that failed to adapt, died leaving the lighter genes folks to pass their genetics to the next gen. These people later traveled long distances due to climate changes, and their genetics got spread around the world. Google on the geographical distribution and you will find out where on earth have the highest concentration of people with green eyes and blond hair!

I have grossly simplified how genes got passed on to the next generation.

reference:
http://www.sciencedaily.com

* this is taken from my YA.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag6EsrOqEpwDWTFg19c5K5vty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090810013257AAHhhd3&show=7#profile-info-EVo16a1Paa