Freckles

Freckles are small brownish spots on human skin, generally mostly found on the face. Predisposition to freckles is genetic, though exposure to sunlight is a factor in how many appear. The gene for freckling is related to the presence of red hair[?]. Based on recent genetic research, it has been suggested that this gene had Neanderthalic origins. (The basis of the claim is the age of the gene; this is not in itself proof, since Homo erectus pre-existed the Neanderthals.) It is found primarily among people of Pictish descent, but is also present at varying numerically smaller levels among all north-western European populations.

External Links:

• Redheads & Freckles (http://www.dougbarber.com/red/)
• Subjective news-article mentioning redhair/freckles genetic link with Neanderthals (http://www.news24.com/News24/Technology/Science_Nature/0,1113,46_1011323,00.htm)