Question

Why do we see a change in human skin pigment in populations that are farther away from the equator?(1 point)

Humans exposed to less UV light required less melanin to make more vitamin D for healthier bones.

Predators only common to the polar regions meant darker humans were better camouflaged and had higher fitness.

Foods available as you move farther from the equator caused people to produce more melanin.

Diseases common to the polar regions caused a decrease in melanin production.

Answer 1

Correct answer: "Humans exposed to less UV light required less melanin to make more vitamin D for healthier bones."

Explanation: Melanin blocks UV radiation. Near the equator, strong UV favored darker skin to protect against UV damage and folate loss. Farther from the equator, lower UV made lighter skin advantageous because it lets more UV through to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.