Should red heads around the world be in panic as reports of the extinction of their unique gene runs through the media? Should all gingers rush to mate with another ginger in fear of this theory?
The red hair gene first appeared thousands of years ago in northern Europe as a result of a genetic mutation in the MC1R gene. It was first reported that having the red headed gene increased the ability of the body to cope with sunlight as it allowed for more vitamin D in the body. However, carriers of the gene today are more sensitive to heat and cold, as well as, more likely to acquire skin cancer.
It is rare to spot red haired individuals; in fact, National Geographic reported that less than 2 percent of the world’s population today carries the gene for red hair. Genetic scientists are reporting that the “dying breed” will be basically extinct in the next 100 years. However, there seem to be experts that argue that the gene can merely be dormant for several generations before appearing once again.
The reason for the prediction of extinction is due the recessive nature of the gene. Both parents must pass on the recessive gene for the offspring to physically express red hair. However, we should all be aware that a couple does not have to both be red headed in order for their children to be the same. Two blondes, or brunettes also have the possibility of producing an offspring with that phenotype, as long as they are both heterozygous dominant for the gene.
Therefore, while there is a chance for a decline of red headed populations due to lower chances of a red headed individual pairing with another red headed partner, the potential of having red hair will not go away. For now, it is too early to determine that extinction of all redheads will occur.
-Maral Altanbadralt
