There are reports that at least some Neanderthal people had a version of a gene, Val92Met, at a site called MC1R which encodes a melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. A biochemist will tell you that melanocytes produce skin colors. read more
Loss of function genes at this site are known to affect hair color in mice. Similar genes are associated with red hair, freckles and type I/II fair skin type in humans. As a result of this finding, there are now many reconstructions of red haired Neanderthals. read more
Indeed, a study earlier this year of ancient DNA suggested that Neanderthals living in what is now Croatia had dark skin and brown hair. “Neanderthal skin colour was probably variable, as might be expected for a large population spread out over a large territorial expanse,” says Harvati. read more
The lighter skin color seen in Europeans, for instance, is due almost entirely to a single gene, he says. “We know that there are some genes that have a very strong effect” on physical appearance, he says. This is artlessly rendered. read more