Does Race Exist? (A Response to a Scientific Article of the Same Name)

Human race is a predefined concept to identify a group of humans based on their physical features and geographical origin. Science proves that race exists to a extent, but it is not an accurate way to group a species. In order to classify humans, scientists use tiny genetic variations in a genome called polymorphisms. A specific polymorphism that scientists use is called an Alus, which is a short piece of DNA that is of similar sequence to another Alus. The Alus replicates occasionally. For example, if a specific Alus was inherited from parent to offspring, that Alus would continue to show up in the genes of later generations of that same group. So obviously, if two people have the same Alus, then they share a common ancestor. However, the Alus is not an accurate way of classifying a human into a specific group. One would need sixty Alus polymorphisms to assign an individual to his/her continent of origin with ninety percent accuracy. In order to be completely sure, one would need one hundred Alus polumorphisms. This type of genetic analysis can distinguish groups of people according to their geographic origin, but it can only be used in populations of maximum genetic variation.

            Race is primarily distinguished by skin color and other physical features that have changed according to the environment that certain groups live in (natural selection). Genetically speaking, groups with similar physical features can have very different genes and vice versa. For example, the San people in Africa have the skin of an African, the eyes of an Asian, and the cheek and chin bones of a Caucasian. Their physical features are similar to that of three other races. Therefore, similar physical features due to natural selection are not strong indicators of genetic variation.

            Race is theoretically non-existent in the world of science. A person’s physical features may reveal his/her geographical origin, but it does not define who they’re closely related to and who their genetic common ancestor was. While, socially, race exists to classify groups of people, it is not that simple in science.