Variations In Human Skin Color
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Resource #1 1. What are some traits that people share? Check three.
- A.
Environmental factors like sunlight, temperature and food supply.
- B.
Males and females have similar sexual characteristics with others of their gender.
- C.
Relatives share similarities in appearance due to their common genetic make up.
- D.
People with ancestors from the same regions of the world often share similar physical characteristics like skin, hair color, facial characteristics, body shape, and stature.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Males and females have similar sexual characteristics with others of their gender.
C. Relatives share similarities in appearance due to their common genetic make up.
D. People with ancestors from the same regions of the world often share similar physical characteristics like skin, hair color, facial characteristics, body shape, and stature.Explanation
The traits that people share are: males and females have similar sexual characteristics with others of their gender, relatives share similarities in appearance due to their common genetic makeup, and people with ancestors from the same regions of the world often share similar physical characteristics like skin, hair color, facial characteristics, body shape, and stature.Rate this question:
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- 2.
2. Besides genetics, what other factors can affect a person’s appearance and growth?
- A.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) can darken or tan a person’s skin.
- B.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) can alter genetic characteristics.
- C.
Varying UV causes no impact.
Correct Answer
A. Exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) can darken or tan a person’s skin.Explanation
Exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) can darken or tan a person's skin because UV rays stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, the body produces more melanin to protect the skin from further damage. This increase in melanin production leads to a darker skin tone or tan. Therefore, UV exposure is a factor that can affect a person's appearance by changing their skin color.Rate this question:
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- 3.
3. Why do sub-Saharan Africans have the same dark skin color as many people in places like southern Asia and Australia? Pick two.
- A.
Environmental factors
- B.
Genetics
- C.
Apparel opportunities
Correct Answer(s)
A. Environmental factors
B. GeneticsExplanation
The dark skin color seen in sub-Saharan Africans, as well as in people from southern Asia and Australia, can be attributed to both environmental factors and genetics. Environmental factors such as high levels of sunlight exposure in these regions have led to the development of darker skin as a natural protective mechanism against harmful UV radiation. Additionally, genetics play a role as certain genes determine the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Therefore, the combination of environmental factors and genetics explains why these populations share the same dark skin color.Rate this question:
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- 4.
4. How has racial classification been used in North America? Choose three.
- A.
They represent cultural differences in our society.
- B.
They have been used to assign undisclosed information.
- C.
They have been used to enlighten people's awareness.
Correct Answer
A. They represent cultural differences in our society.Explanation
Racial classification has been used in North America to represent cultural differences in our society. This means that race has been used as a way to categorize and differentiate people based on their cultural backgrounds and heritage. It has been used as a means to understand and acknowledge the diversity and variety of cultures present in North America.Rate this question:
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- 5.
5. Skin color a good way to classify people, because people respond to their __________________ adaptions.
Correct Answer
environmental
environmentExplanation
Skin color is a good way to classify people because it is a response to their environmental adaptations. The environment plays a significant role in shaping human characteristics, including skin color. People living in different environments have adapted to their surroundings over generations, resulting in variations in skin color. For example, individuals living in regions with high sun exposure have darker skin to protect against harmful UV rays, while those in regions with less sun exposure have lighter skin to absorb more sunlight and produce vitamin D. Therefore, skin color is an important indicator of the environmental adaptations that individuals have developed.Rate this question:
- 6.
Resource #2 6. How does melanin determine skin color? Check three.
- A.
Pheomelanin, which is red to yellow in color and is produced by those with light complexions
- B.
Eumelanin, which is dark to black in color and is produced by those with dark-colored skin.
- C.
Melanin causes increased radioactivity.
- D.
People also differ in the number and size of their melanin particles.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Pheomelanin, which is red to yellow in color and is produced by those with light complexions
B. Eumelanin, which is dark to black in color and is produced by those with dark-colored skin.
D. People also differ in the number and size of their melanin particles.Explanation
Melanin determines skin color by producing two types of pigments: pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin is red to yellow in color and is produced by those with light complexions, while eumelanin is dark to black in color and is produced by those with dark-colored skin. Additionally, people also differ in the number and size of their melanin particles, which can further influence their skin color.Rate this question:
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- 7.
7. ________________________ serves as a shield for UV exposure.
Correct Answer(s)
melaninExplanation
Melanin serves as a shield for UV exposure. It is a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes in the skin. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect the skin. Melanin absorbs UV radiation and prevents it from damaging the DNA in skin cells, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. The more melanin present in the skin, the darker the skin color, as melanin also determines skin pigmentation.Rate this question:
- 8.
8. Besides melanoma, what other conditions does melanin shield against?
- A.
Helps the eyes filter light.
- B.
Helps the body clean bacterial impurities.
- C.
Helps the body maintain healthy folic-acid levels.
Correct Answer
C. Helps the body maintain healthy folic-acid levels.Explanation
Melanin is a pigment that provides color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation and reducing the risk of skin cancer like melanoma. In addition to this, melanin also helps the body maintain healthy folic-acid levels. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is essential for the production and maintenance of new cells, including those of the skin, hair, and nails. Melanin helps to regulate the levels of folic acid in the body, ensuring its proper functioning and overall health.Rate this question:
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- 9.
9. Some shortwave ultraviolet radiation (UVB) exposure important. What does vitamin D do to assist the body? Choose three.
- A.
Helps in converting oxygen to blood cells.
- B.
Helps the body absorb calcium.
- C.
Helps the body absorb phosphorus.
- D.
Helps in bone growth and repair.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Helps the body absorb calcium.
C. Helps the body absorb phosphorus.
D. Helps in bone growth and repair.Explanation
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It also plays a role in bone growth and repair.Rate this question:
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- 10.
10. Historically, people with darker pigmented skin live with 20 degrees of the _______________________ .
Correct Answer(s)
equatorExplanation
Historically, people with darker pigmented skin live closer to the equator. This is because the equator receives more direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to higher temperatures and stronger UV radiation. Darker skin has more melanin, which provides natural protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Therefore, people with darker skin are better adapted to living in regions closer to the equator, where the sun's rays are more intense.Rate this question:
- 11.
Resource #3 11. Jablonski and Chaplin concluded that modern humans most likely evolved in the __________________, where they were exposed to high UV levels.
Correct Answer(s)
tropics
tropicExplanation
Jablonski and Chaplin concluded that modern humans most likely evolved in the tropics, where they were exposed to high UV levels.Rate this question:
- 12.
12. In what way do Jablonski and Chaplin see skin color as “a balancing act”? Check two.
- A.
Between dietary nutritional needs.
- B.
Between the evolutionary demands of photo-protection
- C.
Between the need to create vitamin D in the skin.
- D.
Between the evolutionary demands of hunter gatherers.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Between the evolutionary demands of photo-protection
C. Between the need to create vitamin D in the skin.Explanation
Jablonski and Chaplin see skin color as a "balancing act" between the evolutionary demands of photo-protection and the need to create vitamin D in the skin. This suggests that the evolution of different skin colors in different populations is a result of finding a balance between these two factors.Rate this question:
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- 13.
13. Eskimos in Alaska have dark skin, beacuse their traditional _______________ is rich in fish and other seafood, which are high in vitamin D.
Correct Answer(s)
dietExplanation
Eskimos in Alaska have dark skin because their traditional diet is rich in fish and other seafood, which are high in vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight, but in regions with limited sunlight, such as Alaska, people rely on dietary sources of vitamin D. The dark skin of Eskimos helps protect them from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays while still allowing them to absorb enough sunlight to produce vitamin D.Rate this question:
- 14.
14. Are dark-skinned people at an advantage or disadvantage in northern latitudes?
- A.
Advantage
- B.
Disadvantage
Correct Answer
B. DisadvantageExplanation
Dark-skinned people are at a disadvantage in northern latitudes because their skin produces more melanin, which protects against harmful UV radiation from the sun. However, in northern latitudes where sunlight is limited, their skin may not receive enough sunlight to produce sufficient vitamin D. This can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, which is essential for overall health and can result in various health issues such as weakened immune system, bone problems, and increased risk of certain diseases.Rate this question:
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- 15.
15. DNA research has shown that genetically all humans, regardless of skin color and other surface distinctions, are basically the __________________ .
Correct Answer
sameExplanation
DNA research has demonstrated that all humans, regardless of their outward appearances such as skin color and other surface distinctions, share the same genetic makeup. This means that at a fundamental level, humans are essentially identical in terms of their genetic composition.Rate this question:
- 16.
16. Our and many other societies have developed elaborate systems of ________________ and _______________ based on perceived racial differences.
- A.
Privilage
- B.
Respect
- C.
Control
- D.
Education
Correct Answer(s)
A. Privilage
C. ControlExplanation
Many societies have developed complex systems of privilege and control based on perceived racial differences. Privilege refers to the advantages and benefits that certain racial groups enjoy, often at the expense of others. Control, on the other hand, refers to the power and authority exerted by dominant racial groups to maintain their position of advantage and suppress the rights and opportunities of marginalized racial groups. These systems perpetuate inequality and discrimination, shaping social structures and interactions within societies.Rate this question:
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Mar 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 01, 2011Quiz Created by
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