Ethnic differences in skin color are primarily caused by differences in ___________.
A) UV radiation exposure
B) the quantity of hemoglobin carried in the blood
C) the quantity of melanin produced
D) the number of melanocytes
E) the number of keratinocytes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethnic differences in skin color are primarily caused by differences in the quantity of melanin produced. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by melanocytes in the skin and provides protection against UV radiation from the sun. People with darker skin produce more melanin, while people with lighter skin produce less. This difference in melanin production is primarily determined by genetics, which explains why certain ethnic groups tend to have darker or lighter skin tones. UV radiation exposure and the quantity of hemoglobin carried in the blood can affect skin color to a certain extent, but they are not the primary factors that determine ethnic differences in skin color. The number of melanocytes and keratinocytes also do not play a significant role in ethnic differences in skin color.

Ethnic Differences in Skin Color Are Primarily Caused by Differences