Is it Biological?
It is a common assumption to assume that race is biological. For example, there are certain aspects of our features that denote a race.
However, something else to consider is that the features that denote race are not universal.
There are arguments that race has some biological background, but this is mostly tied to the term Phenotype.
Phenotype
The features that people have (i.e. eye color, hair, etc). These are based on Genetics and Environment.
Very few genes in a person's DNA make up phenotype. However, when one considers the rest of an individual's genetic make-up there is very little evidence for the biology of race. Phenotypes are most of the genes that people of the same race share.
For more details about the biology of race check out the below box:
"Race" by American Anthropological Association:
On the Site look at...
Human Spectrum: This shows a wider variation of skin colors then one normally thinks about.
Our Molecular Selves: For those of you interested in biology this will be very interesting to you!
Race and Human Variation: This tracks how races today are affected by past migration out of Africa.
Only Skin Deep: This discusses why there are skin color variations.
Human Variation Quiz: Take this quiz about race. The answers may surprise you!
Think About it:
If race does not have much biological relevance then why study it?
