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Less than 10% are.
In the UK red hair is generally associated with people of Celtic descent, i.e Scotland and Ireland. It is believed the people of Scotland came from 5 different ethnic groups who occupied or invaded northern Britain in the dark ages. In all of recorded history, red-haired people have never been mentioned as a group except by the Romans.
The 'Picts' where foes who the Romans fought and were described as having red-hair and 'large limbs' by Roman historian Tacitus. Modern historians with the help of anthropologists have placed red-hair as a unique characteristic belonging to the Picts, who were characteristic to what is now regarded as Scottish.
As far as the world-wide distribution of red-hair is concerned, it would be fair to say that the majority may well have descended from this North-Western European region, although as with all variations between people, mutations in genes can occur and be maintained in any population provided there is no detrimentus effect to the populations growth.
As for the reasons for red-hair, it's not easy to see any immediate selective advantage in terms of evolution. Here is some information of the genetics behind red-hair and this seems to provide
a clue....
Variation in both skin and hair pigmentation is due to varied amounts of the chemicals eumelanin (brown/black melanins) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow melanins) produced by melanocytes ("colour-cells").
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a regulator of eu- and phaeomelanin production in the melanocytes and mutations in this gene are known to cause coat colour changes in many mammals. Studies on Irish and Dutch populations have significantly linked variations in the MC1R gene to red-hair.
Also, so called 'loss-of-function' mutations in the human MC1R gene are known to be common and have recently been shown to be associated with red-hair. One other interesting point is that recent work has shown that some variants on the MC1R gene may be preferentially associated with hair colour rather than
skin type.
Because the primary function of melanins is thought to be for both 'photoprotection' and 'photosensitising` (eu- and phaeomelanins respectively), this offers reason to suggest that MC1R variants (most red-heads) are a risk factor, possibly independent of skin type, for melanoma susceptibility.
Why would mutations occur if such variations in MC1R
originally arose in areas of northern-Europe. Maybe it was because there was no selection against such mutations occurring in that region of the world. Due to the poor quality of weather in this area of the world, any mutations in MC1R would hold no relevance as the UV-levels would be significantly low enough to cause no damage despite decreased melatonin protection.
Unfortunately this assumes that MC1R mutations occurring in 'hot-climates' would result in high mortality rates occurring before age of parenthood which is probably unlikely. Other than that, I can't think of any other reason to suggest why red-hair originated in north-west Europe other than by random chance
ANSWER:
No, actually, not very many Irish people have red hair these days. Most of them have dark hair. Black, Brown-Dark/Light with streaks of red. i am Full blooded Irish, and i have dark dark brown hair with natural red highlights
AnswerNo. AnswerNo, not all Irish people have red hair... i am a product of that I'm Irish and have not ever seen a red hair on my head. AnswerNo. not many Irish have red hair...some have fair hair, some have dark hair (almost black)because both their parents are carriers of a gene that gives you red hair. The part of your body that converts pheomelanin (red pigment) into eumelanin (brown pigment) does not function properly so you have too much red pigment (creating the reddish hair colour) and not enough brown pigment (which is why redheads are usually pale).
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Are Irish people dark complected?
No, they are fair skinned and red headed. Dont listen to the above. Yes some Irish people are fair skinned and light haired, but some are also dark haired and have a more swarthy skin complexion. These people are believed to be the descendants of the original Celtic tribes that came to Ireland and Britain from southern Europe. This darker complexion is also quite common is Wales and South west England. The fair skinned light haired Irish are most likely of Nordic descent.
What percentage of the Scottish have red hair?
About 9%.The Harvard U. anthropological study found that the "clear reds" amounted to about 4% and another 5% had red-brown. The study was by Earnest Hooton and Wesley Dupertuis.13% of Scottish are red-haired, though.43% of the Irish sample had dark hair (dark brown and black).
How many people have red hair?
Depends. 1-2% in America. 4% in the UK. 10% in Ireland. 13% in Scotland. I think it's 1% of the world population has red hair.
Are all people who are Irish short?
No people just picture the Irish as short alchoholics with red hair which is not true. Every country has short people, red haired people and alchoholics. In fact most Irish people have brown hair and blue/green eyes. And I know this because:Born in the UK to Irish parents and have been living back in Ireland since 2! In fact the average Irish man is 5 ft 11 inches, taller than British and American averages.
Where did the surname Jones originate?
The surname Jones originates from the latter area of Ireland. People with the last name, Jones, commonly have red hair. This is the case because most people with the last name Jones trace back to Ireland.
Which country has the highest number of red haired people?
Well I know a quite a few gingers from Scotland and Ireland.
Do people like red heads?
Yes, though red haired people can often times be the target of bullying because of their distinct hair color, there are many people who admire red haired people for who they are.
Are red head people white?
Many are, but not all red haired people are white (Caucasian).
What country does the red hair people live at?
Ierland is where alot of red haired people live at.
Why are there few red haired people?
Cuz No one wants to have red hair
What are the personality traits of red-heads?
Red haired peoples' personality are varied, many, and complex just like all people of different hair colors.
What is the disease that most gingers are known to have?
There are no diseases specific to red haired people.
Rock band with red haired singer?
Paramore is a band with a red haired singer.
How do you say red-haired in French?
red-haired is 'roux' (masc.) or 'rousse' (fem.) in French.
Where do you find the red haired guy that gives you the secret potion?
what red haired guy and what posion?!
When was Little Red-Haired Girl created?
Little Red-Haired Girl was created in 1963.
Do brown eyed people have different temperaments than blue green hazel gray and amber eyed people?
No. It's like suggesting red-haired people have hotter tempers, or blonde-haired people are stupid.
