Question

Which is NOT an example of skin color adaptation?

a-Light skin color produces more vitamin D and therefore prevents osteoporosis
b-Light skin color increases the ability to digest lactose
c-Dark skin color reduces disease susceptibility
d-Dark skin color enhances temperature regulation
e-Dark skin color reduces the risk of skin cancer

Answer 1

The correct answer is b) Light skin color increases the ability to digest lactose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b-Light skin color increases the ability to digest lactose. Skin color adaptation refers to the evolutionary changes in human skin pigmentation in response to environmental factors such as sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Light skin color evolved in areas with weaker sunlight to allow for the production of vitamin D, while dark skin color evolved in regions with strong sunlight to protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation. However, skin color does not have a direct effect on lactose digestion. Lactose digestion is primarily determined by the production of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine.