How have the historic levels of melanin in human populations changed due to migration? (1 point)
Responses
Humans that produced less melanin became more common as populations migrated away from the equator.
Humans that produced less melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator.
Humans that produced less melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator.
Humans that produced more melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator.
Humans that produced more melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator.
Humans that produced more melanin became more common as populations migrated away from the equator.
The answer is "Humans that produced more melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator." Melanin is a pigment that helps protect the skin from UV radiation. As populations migrated closer to the equator where UV radiation is stronger, natural selection favored individuals with more melanin to better protect their skin. Conversely, as populations moved away from the equator, there was less selective pressure for increased melanin production, leading to a decrease in melanin levels.
The correct response is:
Humans that produced less melanin became more common as populations migrated away from the equator.
Humans that produced more melanin became more common as populations migrated toward the equator.
Explanation: Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. It acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
When populations migrated away from the equator to regions with lower UV radiation, there was less need for melanin protection. As a result, over time, individuals with less melanin production had a survival advantage because they could still produce enough melanin for protection but also had the advantage of increased vitamin D synthesis in regions with less intense sunlight.
On the other hand, as populations migrated toward the equator where UV radiation is higher, individuals with higher melanin production had a survival advantage. The higher melanin levels provided greater protection against the intense UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Therefore, it is the populations that migrated toward the equator where humans with higher melanin production became more common.