Question

question 3 (1 point) indigenous populations in low - uv environments tend to have lighter skin tones. one hypothesis is that, in low - uv environments, the selective pressure for dark skin is low. instead, there is selective pressure for lighter skin, which absorbs more uv radiation, since uv is needed for vitamin d production. which of the following statements best supports this hypothesis? a in general, people with lighter skin tend to be at higher risk for vitamin d deficiency. b indigenous people with lighter skin tend to live at higher latitudes and have diets that are rich in vitamin d. c red hair and light skin are most common in people of northern european descent. d people with lighter skin cannot synthesize enough vitamin d in high uv environments, such as equatorial africa.

Explanation:

The hypothesis is that in low - UV environments, lighter skin is favored for vitamin D production. Option b supports this as it shows that indigenous people with lighter skin live in higher latitudes (low - UV environments) and have diets rich in vitamin D, indicating a connection between lighter skin, low - UV habitats, and vitamin D needs. Option a goes against the hypothesis as it implies lighter - skinned people are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. Option c just states a commonality of red hair and light skin in a certain descent without linking to low - UV and vitamin D. Option d is about high - UV environments, not low - UV ones.

Answer:

B. Indigenous people with lighter skin tend to live at higher latitudes and have diets that are rich in vitamin D.