On Planet X,some areas receive very little ultraviolet radiation.What skin color would you expect Planet X's people to have if they live in those areas?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the areas receive little ultraviolet radiation, it means that there is limited Vitamin D synthesis. Thus, the people would need to obtain Vitamin D from their diet, which would lead to a lighter skin color. This is because skin color is a result of melanin production, wherein the more melanin someone has, the darker their skin color. However, melanin also inhibits Vitamin D synthesis, so in areas with limited UV radiation, natural selection would favor lighter skin to enhance Vitamin D synthesis.

On Planet X,some Areas Receive Very Little Ultraviolet Radiation