inal answer:
The variation in skin color across different geographical regions due to UV radiation exposure is an example of biological Adaptation, as it signifies the evolutionary changes in human populations to protect against sun damage or synthesize vitamin D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of lighter skin tones in individuals inhabiting higher latitude regions, and conversely, the presence of darker skin tones in individuals inhabiting tropical regions, is an example of Adaptation. This is because skin pigmentation has evolved over thousands of years as a biological response to varying levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. In regions with intense sunlight, high levels of melanin in darker skin provide protection against UV damage and potential folate depletion. Conversely, in areas with limited sunlight, lighter skin is advantageous for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune function.
As humans migrated and settled in different areas of the world, skin pigmentation adapted to the local environment as a result of natural selection. An excellent example of this adaptation can be observed when traveling from the equator towards the poles, where there is a gradual change in skin color among indigenous populations, reflecting evolutionary adjustments to varying UV exposure levels. Such biological variations are closely associated with the geography of the regions and the evolutionary history of their inhabitants.