Race

A race is a population of humans distinguished from other populations. The most widely used racial categories are based on visible traits (especially skin color and facial features). Conceptions of race, as well as specific racial groupings, vary by culture and time and are often controversial due to their impact on social identity hence identity politics.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Since the 1940s, evolutionary scientists have rejected the view of race according to which a number of finite lists of essential characteristics could be used to determine a like number of races. By the 1960s, data and models from population genetics called into question taxonomic understandings of race, and many have turned from conceptualizing and analyzing human variation in terms of race to doing so in terms of populations and clines instead. However, many scientists believe that race is a valid and useful concept Moreover, since the 1990s, data and models from genomics and cladistics have resulted in a revolution in our understanding of human evolution, which has led some to propose a new "lineage" definition of race. These scientists have made related arguments that races are valid when understood as fuzzy sets, clusters, or extended families. Currently, opinions differ substantially within and among academic disciplines.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many evolutionary and social scientists, drawing on such biological research, think common race definitions, or any race definitions pertaining to humans, lack taxonomic rigour and validity. They argue that race definitions are imprecise, arbitrary, derived from custom, and that the races observed vary according to the culture examined. They further maintain that race is best understood as a social construct. Other scientists, however, have argued that this shift is motivated more by political than scientific reasons.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Population: :For the use of the word population in statistics, see statistical population....

Racial categories: Redirect Race (classification of human beings)...

Trait: In biology, a trait or character is a genetically inherited feature of an organism. As synonym for trait can be sometimes used the term phenotype; the difference is that this second term can also indicate the total physical appeareance or constitution....

Race related Images and Photos (experimental)

Great Race, The (DVD)	Master Race, The (DVD)	Yacht Race	Death Race
Race at Sea	Death Race 2	Death Race 2	Horse Race St. Moritz
Death Race DVD (Widescreen)	Race Cars Wooden Toy Set	Race Day at the Beach	Death Race Blu-ray DVD