anthropology
Alexandra2421
A9_SkinColorVariation.docxActivity 9: Skin Color Variation
INTRODUCTION
We all know that skin color varies, and in the final module, you learned that it varies as an adaptation to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Recent research has identified an allele, known as the F374 allele, that codes for lighter skin color.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use the information in the table below to answer the questions.
Table Information: The information in the table below shows a country and the frequency of the F374 allele, which codes for lighter skin. Please note that the percentage is only based on the population of people who trace their ancestry to that location. In other words, the percentage for Germany includes individuals whose ancestors were native to the land that today is Germany. It does not include those who have migrated to Germany recently or over the last few generations.
|
Country |
Frequency of F374 allele (codes for lighter skin color) |
|
Germany |
96.5% |
|
France |
89.3% |
|
Italy |
85.1% |
|
India |
14.7% |
|
China (Han Chinese) |
0.5% |
|
Japan |
0% |
|
Africa |
0% |
QUESTIONS
Question 1: Which population has the highest frequency of the F374 allele?
TYPE YOUR ANSWER TO QUESTION 1 HERE.
Question 2: Which populations have the lowest frequency of the F374 allele?
TYPE YOUR ANSWER TO QUESTION 2 HERE.
Question 3: Why is it NOT surprising to see that the F374 allele is common in Northern Europe and uncommon in Africa?
TYPE YOUR ANSWER TO QUESTION 3 HERE.
Question 4: Why is it surprising to see that the F374 allele is not found in Japan?
TYPE YOUR ANSWER TO QUESTION 4 HERE.
Question 5: What evolutionary force(s) might explain why the F374 allele is not found in Japan?
TYPE YOUR ANSWER TO QUESTION 5 HERE.
GRADING
20 points per question
