skin variation questions

Question

Briefly describe the 2 reasons why the Inuit people exhibit somewhat darker skin levels than would be predicted given the UV levels at their latitude.

5. What theory do the authors propose for why women generally have lighter skin than men?

6. Briefly explain why skin color is described as “one of the least useful characteristics in determining the evolutionary relations between human groups”?

 

7. Do biologists typically classify specific forms of traits as good or bad? For example, long tails in cats could be classified as good and short tails as bad. Explain the reasoning or evidence behind your answer.

8. If you travel north from the equator, what generally happens to the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) light?

Answer 1

Genes play a larger factor in melanin production than UV exposure. Here, this article explains the research involving the Inuits. https://scienceline.org/2007/06/ask-dricoll-inuiteskimos/

Many scientists label traits as "good" or "bad",depending on the species, as to whether or not the trait itself helps the species with adaption and survival. Likewise, in considering human traits, historically speaking 'good' or 'bad' traits were labeled depending on how desirable that trait was. Such as: blue eyes and blonde hair during the Holocaust. In Elizabethan days, heavier women with very pale skin and ruddy cheeks were more desirable because they were considered to be "healthier and more adequate for child rearing". I hope this helps.