Origin of the Races

Race Facts:

  • Single biological species - Homo sapiens sapiens

  • Race described on the basis of skin color, hair form, facial morphology, body proportions, and other, less obvious traits - not based upon genetics

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Slide 99 of 109


There are many myths about race that are quite prevalent in most societies. The facts show that humans are all part of the same biological species and subspecies (Homo sapiens sapiens). Different human races are, on average, about four times more genetically similar than different populations of chimpanzees (which we would say "all look alike"). Races were originally defined on the basis of external phenotypic (appearance) characteristics. When originally defined, people did not know that the genetic changes that control skin color, facial morphology, etc. represent a very small percentage of the genes that control the human genome.


Last Modified June 21, 2006