Bio-diversity

There is just no direct evidence linking evolution of skin pigmentation with damage from UV exposure.

It may explain *why* certain races colonised certain areas but there is no direct proof or even much evidence to suggest it was damage from UV exposure in climate that caused the changes. In reality, we were all probably very dark skinned to begin with.

Remember, skin colour is not dependent on the number of melanocytes - everyone has the same number. What does influence skin colour variation is the size and distribution pattern of melanosomes among other factors.

The theory that skin pigments have evolved to allow vitamin D synthesis while preventing UV degradation of folic acid meets opposition because it would condradict this.

In reality, many believe it is the reverse, that lighter skin evolved to optimise absorption in low sunshine areas. Human skin is responsible for the synthesis of vitamin D. Ultraviolet radiation absorption by the skin converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) to vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for normal growth and skeletal development. Vitamin D deficiency causes immobilization, pelvic deformities, rickets, and even death

In climates with less sunshine our darker skinned ancestors would have had high mortality rates and any or all of the above problems. Melanosome distribution evolved so as to optimise for the synthesis of Vitamin D. Skin colour was just a side effect of the morphology change.

Thus, explaining why we get varied shades of skin colour.

That said, it may be taught at LC or JC level as you described, in much the same way you are taught that electrons circle a nucleus like moons around a planet. A simplified story of a much much more complex debate.

Sorry if I explained it badly, I'm tired and its late. I'll look at it again tomorrow when I'm clearer headed and edit as required.

Originally posted by p.pete
Then you won't mind me questioning how rational the percentage you quote above is;)

You should leave a not by your computer telling yourself to count to 10 before sending things along the lines of "honestly though i think i am right for the most part "

Ahh, cmon, there were two years of my life when I had faith in LC biology too.

Its not his fault, it is the irish educational system failed him.

In any case, see how subtle bio-diversity is. All the star trek characters you see could be different races.

Oh do you remember smooth vs. crinkley headed kilingons? (in TOS they all have smooth foreheads).

Roddenberry explained this by saying one was from the northern hemisphere!

AFAIK, Vulcans have green blood so Spock should have a greenish rather than a rosy(human) tinge to his skin.

That's interesting, DataIsGod.
I wonder if anyone has written a book on chemistry and biochemistry in Star Trek. Would be fun trying to figure out if and how such a circulatory system would work. I've read a book on the physics of Star Trek and also a book on biology in Star trek but the biology book did not mention this topic.

Well, any books I've ever read on science in Star Trek have been written by academics who are fans of the show and who like to point out where the show gets it wrong and what would happen in reality. One example from my bookshelves- The Physics of Star Trek - it's written by Lawrence M. Krauss who's a Prof of Physics at Case Western Reserve Uni, USA. Sounds like a guy who knows his physics! It's fun to read as he throws in plenty of jokes. However, although such books are interesting, they're not the best for learning about science - they're less thorough as they only consider the aspects of a particular branch of science that relate to Star Trek.

Then again, popular science books in general, while providing an introduction to different areas of scientific study are bound to simplify somewhat. For example, all those books that try to explain stuff like quantum mechnics, relativity etc are cool for providing mental pictures but they generally shirk away from the mathematical side of the subject.

As for the technobabble on the show itself, surely there are many Star Trek fans with science degrees who'd be willing to help them with this!