Biological Basis for Race

Protein polymorphisms

  • 84% of all variation is found within each racial group

  • 10% of variation is found among racial groups

  • More genetic variation is found within races than between them

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Slide 102 of 109


The genetics of racial differences are quite surprising to most people. When scientists examine protein polymorphisms (small genetic differences between people), the vast majority of differences (84%) are found within each racial group (between individuals of the same race). Only 10% of the variation is found between racial groups. Therefore, by far, there is more genetic variation within each race than between racial groups. In other words, the genetic differences that we cannot see visually are much more prevalent than the genetic differences we can see (racial differences).


Last Modified June 21, 2006