If the Earth Rotated Around Its Axis from East to West

question 44

Essay

If the Earth rotated around its axis from east to west rather than west to east, what major consequences would this have had for the standard routes traversed by sailing ships traveling between Europe or Africa and the Americas prior to the 20^th century?

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Definitions:

Melanin

A natural pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes that determines color and provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Keratinocytes

The predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, responsible for producing keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility.

Sebaceous Glands

Small oil-producing glands located in the skin of mammals, involved in lubricating the skin and hair.

Melanoma

A type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes, which can become aggressive if not treated early.