Redheads could become extinct if the weather gets warmer, according to experts. Yes, the red hair gene could well become a thing of the past if climate change has its way.
It is thought the redhead gene is caused by an evolutionary response to lack of sunlight and vitamin D in Scotland, Ireland and the north of England.
But if climate change makes the north a sunnier place, theoretically the red hair gene could die off. Dr Alistair Moffat, head of genetic testing company ScotlandsDNA, explained: "We think red hair in Scotland, Ireland and the north of England is adaptation to the climate.
"We do not get enough sun and have to get all the vitamin D we can. If it was to get less cloudy and there was more sun, there would be fewer people carrying the gene."
At present just 1-2.
Another unnamed scientist added: "I think the gene is slowly dying out. Climate change could see a decline in the number of people with red hair in Scotland."
Whatever the weather (pun totally intended) present day redheads need not fear they will suddenly be made extinct. But if that day ever comes we guess there's always the dye job... Unless climate change interferes with that too.