Myth of Biological Race

Subspecies

Another term for race; the taxonomic level under species

Genotype

The alleles that an individual has for a particular gene/trait

Biological

The ___ species concept states that organisms are members of the same species if they can interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Vitamin D

A nutrient that is synthesized by the skin when exposed to UV radiation

Folate

This nutrient is needed during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida in offspring and can be destroyed by UV radiation

Gene Pool

All the alleles/genes in a population

Gene Flow

Occurs when two distinct populations exchange mates who reproduce

Melanocytes

Cell that synthesizes melanin; all humans have about the same number of these cells

Sterile

Unable to produce offspring

Phenotype

The physical characteristic an individual has for a given trait (e.g., eye color)

Spina Bifida

Birth defect in the spinal cord resulting from folate deficiency

Hybrid

An individual with parents from two closely related species; sometimes sterile

Fertile

Able to produce offspring

Rickets

A condition in which the bones are too soft and deform because of lack of Vitamin D

Melanin

Brown protein pigment in the epidermis that protects skin cells from UV radiation