Question

determine whether the scenario results in more or less vitamin d synthesis for people living in the united states.
labels
summer vs. winter months
less vs. more time in the sun
dark skinned vs. light skinned
older vs. younger person
southern vs. northern latitudes
drop zones
less vitamin d synthesis (1/2)
more vitamin d synthesis (2/2)
reset all

Explanation:

• Summer vs. winter months: In summer, there is more sunlight, which promotes more vitamin D synthesis. In winter, less sunlight leads to less synthesis.
• Less vs. more time in the sun: More time in the sun means more exposure to UVB rays (which are needed for vitamin D synthesis), so more synthesis. Less time means less.
• Dark - skinned vs. light - skinned: Dark - skinned individuals have more melanin. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen. So, dark - skinned people may have less vitamin D synthesis compared to light - skinned people (assuming same sun exposure time) as melanin can reduce the penetration of UVB rays needed for vitamin D production.
• Older vs. younger person: As people age, the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases. So, older people have less vitamin D synthesis compared to younger people.
• Southern vs. northern latitudes: In southern latitudes (closer to the equator), there is more intense sunlight (more UVB rays throughout the year) compared to northern latitudes. So, more vitamin D synthesis in southern latitudes.

Answer:

• Less vitamin D synthesis: Winter months, less time in the sun, dark - skinned, older person, northern latitudes.
• More vitamin D synthesis: Summer months, more time in the sun, light - skinned, younger person, southern latitudes.