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A Rainbow of Sepia

The Evolution of Human Skin Color

By Annie Prud’homme-Genereux

A Rainbow of Sepia


 

Abstract

This flipped case study examines the selective pressures that have affected the evolution of diverse human skin pigmentations. To prepare for the case, students begin by watching videos and doing research on their own. In class, students use the information they have learned to answer questions that follow the research of Penn State anthropologist Nina Jablonski. As students work through the case they alternate between reading sections of the case study handout and viewing short video segments that reinforce concepts and engage students in the story of the real-world protagonist. At the end of the 90 minutes, students realize that several opposing pressures can act on one trait and that evolution can be a balancing act. This case is appropriate for AP and freshmen biology students who are completing a unit on evolution. It is adapted from an earlier case by the same author, “The Evolution of Skin Color.”

   

Date Posted

12/18/2018

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe the evidence that human skin pigmentation is subject to natural selection.
  • Explain how UV radiation impacts folate and vitamin D levels.
  • Describe how skin color is a compromise between two evolutionary pressures.
  • Predict the level of skin pigmentation of a population, if given information about the location where they evolved and their diet.
  • Develop strategies to maximize their vitamin D and folate levels based on their skin pigmentation and where they live.
  • Analyze graphical information.

Keywords

Evolution; skin color; melanin; natural selection; fitness; selective pressure; UV; ultra violet radiation; folate; vitamin D;

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biochemistry
Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics / Heredity
Medicine (General)
Molecular Biology
Nutrition
Physiology
Public Health
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Flipped

 

 

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