Racial genetics and modern human evolution

Genetic essence and the conventionality of the concept of race

In modern science, genetic similarity between people does not always correlate with their racial affiliation. Often, individuals belonging to completely different races but sharing the same blood type turn out to be genetically much closer to each other than representatives of the same nationality or ethnicity.

Races must categorically not be regarded as isolated groups possessing any unique, specific set of genes. All the racial differences we observe are nothing more than particular manifestations of genetic polymorphism. It is important to understand that this polymorphism affects exclusively secondary traits of the organism. These include skin color, hair hue and structure, and eye color. At the same time, the fundamental universal human traits defining our species (such as the complex structure of the brain, hand anatomy, and other vital systems) remain unchanged and independent of race.

The main conclusion drawn by modern genetics is that the very concept of race is conditional and secondary. There are absolutely no biological grounds in nature for building a racial hierarchy, justifying social inequality, or discrimination.

Classification of races and miscegenation processes

Within the traditionally distinguished major races, anthropologists classify separate anthropological types known as minor races. To date, 22 minor races are distinguished. They are characterized by stable complexes of morphological traits.

Between the ranges of the major races, so-called transitional races historically formed, which harmoniously combine the features of neighboring major groups.

Striking examples of transitional races:

• Uralic race (includes the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Urals) — represents a transitional form combining features of Mongoloids and Caucasoids.
• South Siberian race (for example, Bashkirs) — is also the result of ancient mixing of the Mongoloid and Caucasoid branches.

At the present stage, the most important factor in human biological evolution is miscegenation (active racial mixing), which leads to a constant exchange of genetic material between populations.

The modern stage of human evolution

The biological evolution of our species has not stopped. The modern stage of human development is characterized by extremely wide phenotypic and genetic polymorphism. The assertion of complete human evolutionary completion is relative, as changes in various biological properties in populations occur continuously.

Anthropologists, analyzing current trends in variability and miscegenation, even predict the future formation of a new averaged anthropological type — Homo futurus (future man). At the same time, the unique biological organization of modern man is formed in such a way that it provides a solid foundation and limitless opportunities for further social evolution.

Blurring of races and molecular genetic markers

Evolutionary changes continue to accumulate, and it is important to note that many traits that we today consider typically "racial" arose very recently by evolutionary standards.

A telling example is the evolution of hair structure in the inhabitants of Asia. The specific trait — stiff, straight hair — is caused by a mutation in the EDAR gene. This gene not only is responsible for hair but also regulates the formation of the skin, teeth, and nails. The mutation arose within the last 30,000 years. Subsequently, this modified gene migrated with the first settlers to the American continent, which serves as undeniable proof of a shared evolutionary past between Native Americans and indigenous East Asians.

The evolution of pigmentation also confirms the recent formation of racial features. The initial state of early human ancestors involved dark skin, dark eyes, and hair. The process of so-called "lightening" of traits resulted from dozens of successive genetic mutations. Interestingly, some of these mutations responsible for light shades are found even among modern inhabitants of the African continent and are currently widespread in all parts of the world, blurring the rigid boundaries between phenotypes.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Mechanisms of genetic polymorphism formation in human populations
• The influence of the EDAR gene on the regulation of epidermal derivative development (hair, teeth, nails)
• Genetic evidence of early population migration from Asia to America
• Specifics of the morphological complexes of 22 minor anthropological races

Other topics in the section "Modern humans and evolution (Neanthropines)"

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