Melanin Review

Why did dark-colored rock pocket mice first appear in a population of light-colored rock pocket mice?

• They have a mutation in MC1R gene that affects their fur color.

• They migrated due to climate change in their original environment.

• They migrated due to shortage of food supply in their original environment.

• A volcano erupted and turned some mice dark.

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Why did dark-colored rock pocket mice FIRST appear in a population of light-colored rock pocket mice?

• They have a genetic mutation that affects their fur color.

• There is dark lava rock in the are where they live.

• Individuals change color to blend in with the environment.

• Predators eat the light-colored mice.

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The graph shows the frequency of the phenotypes of Rock Pocket Mice in the area of Phoenix, Arizona. This area has seen significant amount of change with recent development in the area. This graph shows the mouse population over the past 20-years from 1989 to 2009. The desert area is now a blacktop parking lot behind the local Walgreen’s. Based on your experience in this unit, what would you propose caused the difference in the phenotype of the tan and dark colored mice?

• The tan colored mice is less fit for the environment and had trouble locating food and began to die off.

• There are not enough predators in the environment due to the population remaining only 100 total animals.

• The dark colored mice are more fit for the environment because they blend in more easily with the blacktop pavement.

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What is the role of melanin in the skin when exposed to UV rays?

• It reflects all UV light.

• It makes the skin transparent to UV light.

• It has no role in UV protection.

• It protects DNA by absorbing UV light.

What is the primary function of melanin in human skin?

• To provide structural support

• To protect against UV radiation

• To regulate body temperature

• To store nutrients

Which type of melanin is primarily responsible for darker skin tones?

• Pheomelanin

• Eumelanin

• Neuromelanin

• Allomelanin

How does melanin protect the skin from UV damage?

• By reflecting UV rays

• By absorbing UV rays

• By scattering UV rays

• By converting UV rays into heat

What is the role of melanin in the eyes?

• To enhance vision in low light

• To protect against UV light

• To change eye color

• To improve depth perception

Which cells are responsible for the production of melanin?

• Keratinocytes

• Melanocytes

• Fibroblasts

• Langerhans cells

What triggers the production of more melanin in the skin?

• Cold temperatures

• Exposure to sunlight

• High humidity

• Lack of sleep