Sunday, March 28, 2010
Is Race Genetic?
Jerry Coyne stated that “Most biologists stay as far away from [the biological question of race] as they can” (2009, p. 212). Yet, many distinguishing characteristics of races, such as skin color, are genetically inherited from parent to offspring. To what extent do you think the differences between the various races has a genetic and/or evolutionary basis, and to what extent do you think the differences are due to “ ‘gene-culture coevolution’ ” (Coyne, 2009, p. 215)?
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ReplyDeleteI think that the differences between various races does have a basis in genetics and evolution. First of all, we must examine the fact that "race" is a very acceptable scientific term for all species other than humans. Coyne notes that races are "simply populations of a species that are both geographically separated and differ genetically in one or more traits" (213). From this we can infer that since this term can apply to all other organisms, it can also apply to humans. Furthermore, the fact that races are gentically different to a certain degree certainly points to a genetic basis for the differences between human races as well. Humans are no different from other species; hence, the same rules for races apply.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we must realize that the vast majority of genetic variation among humans is not due to differences between races, but merely differences between individuals. So, although races do differ in genetic make-up, they do not differ to a very significant degree. In fact, Alan R. Templeton, Ph.D., professor of biology in Arts and Sciences, has analyzed DNA from global human populations that reveal the patterns of human evolution over the past one million years. He shows that while there is plenty of genetic variation in humans, most of the variation is individual variation. While between-race variation exists, it is either too small, or it is not the right type of qualitative variation (wupa.wustl.edu). Therefore, my overlying conclusion is that race does have a basis in genetics, yet this basis is generally small.
Finally, I think that gene-culture coevolution plays a large role in racial differences. Basically, the environment - the resources available - are crucial to development. For example, Coyne cites lactose intolerance as a clear evolutionary adaptation to differences in culture - which happen to be among different races. This face also relates to the theme of continuity and change. In general, continuity and change means that all species tend to maintain themselves from generation to generation using the same genetic code. However, there are genetic mechanisms that lead to change over time, or evolution. Changes in culture lead to genetic changes to adapt. So yes, racial differences are related in a large part to gene-culture coevolution.
I believe that race variation is indeed induced through genetic variation. The phenotype differences between races are based upon genotype differences between races. Genotype differences are genetic differences, therefore differences between races are based on genetic differences.
ReplyDeleteHowever, differences between races are not the same of differences between species, as made apparent by the ability of races to interbreed. Therefore it can be concluded that racial differences are indeed induced by genetic differences, yet these genetic differences are not great enough to provide for specification. It should also be noted that only 6-10% of genetic variation in humans applies to "classical" racial differentiation, and that the reason that the physical differences are so striking is because many physical traits vary together (e.g. darker skin and curly hair are passed on together)(http://raceandgenomics.ssrc.org/Lewontin/)
I also believe that gene-culture coevolution is a major factor in racial differentiation. Not only do the "fads" that Coyne mentions effect racial differentiation, discriminatory attitudes could also provide reasons for racial differentiation. For much of human history, it was unusual for members of two different races to copulate, as this would help the races drift apart genetically as gene pools were isolated. The genetic drift would occur due the biological theme of continuity in change, in that if people with similar genotypes were to breed, the offspring would share much of the genotype, factoring in minor changes due to mutation.