Understanding Skin Color
Explore the science behind skin color, including melanin, genetics, and environmental factors, with this informative Grade 6 worksheet.
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Standards
Understanding Skin Color
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Some questions may require you to look at the provided diagram.
Our skin comes in a beautiful variety of colors! But what determines this color? Let's explore the science behind it.
1. What is the main pigment responsible for human skin, hair, and eye color?
Hemoglobin
Melanin
Carotene
Chlorophyll
2. What is the primary function of melanin in the skin?
To keep the skin warm
To protect against UV radiation
To make the skin flexible
To help the skin absorb water
3. The cells in our skin that produce melanin are called .
4. Exposure to the sun's rays can cause our skin to produce more melanin, leading to a tan.
5. Briefly explain how genetics influence a person's skin color.
6. All people have the same number of melanocytes, but the amount and type of melanin they produce can vary.
True
False
7. People with lighter skin tones are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin tones.
True
False
8. Look at the diagram of the human skin cross-section. Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes?
