Yes, both dark-skinned parents can have a fair-skinned baby. This is due to the complex nature of skin color genetics.
Skin Color Inheritance
Skin color is determined by multiple genes, not just one. These genes control the amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
- Multiple Genes: Several genes influence melanin production.
- Recessive Genes: Fair skin can result from recessive genes. Both parents might carry these recessive genes without expressing them themselves.
- Genetic Variation: The combination of genes inherited from both parents determines the baby's skin tone.
Explanation
Even if both parents have dark skin, they can still carry genes for lighter skin. If the baby inherits these genes from both parents, the baby may have a lighter complexion than either parent. According to a source from 2018, this is entirely possible due to the complexities of skin color inheritance.
Table Summarizing Skin Color Inheritance
| Parent 1 Skin Tone | Parent 2 Skin Tone | Possible Baby Skin Tone | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | Dark | Fair | Both parents carry recessive genes for fair skin; baby inherits both. |
| Dark | Dark | Dark | Baby inherits genes for dark skin from both parents. |
| Dark | Dark | Medium | Baby inherits a mix of genes resulting in a medium skin tone. |
