How many races of humans are there?
Technically, any Biologist will tell you there is only one: Homo sapien.
Among populations and nationalities, there are many variations of human skin colors, hair textures and colors, nose shapes, heights, and more characteristics; but there is no fixed DNA difference that does not average out if cross-bred. The DNA between two people of African origin can be as different as comparing the DNA of a person of African origin and a person of Asian origin. The concept of race to distinguish groups with different appearances has social consequences, but virtually no genetically notable importance.
It should be noted that there is a colloquial usage of the word “race”, which has roots in early exploration when various ethnicities came into contact, and does not parallel the scientific use. For example, the US Census gathers information of the “races” in America – meaning African American, Caucasian, Asian, etc. Yet it is stated clearly for the US Census by the Office of Management and Budget that its usage does not have foundations in “scientific or anthropological” definitions, and that “the racial and ethnic categories…should not be interpreted as being primarily biological or genetic in reference.”
However, definitions are only valid as long as the humans who create them accept their validity. Today, the word has evolved from its scientific definition as common genetic traits, to physical traits as well as ancestry.
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Tags: homosapien, How Many, human, Human Body, human races, race, World
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