In understanding the problems with attempts at human racial classification,why is it important to know the difference between genotype and phenotype?
A) The phenotypic traits typically used to classify humans into races go together as genetic units.
B) Phenotypic similarities and differences always have a genetic basis.
C) Attempts at human racial classification have typically used genotypic traits like blood type as markers of common ancestry, and these traits are passed on from generation to generation in discrete bundles.
D) Although phenotypic characteristics may change, the genetic material of populations stays the same for a long time.
E) Attempts at human racial classification have typically used phenotypic traits like skin color as markers of common ancestry, but many such traits do not reflect shared genetic material. Instead, they are often the result of different populations biologically adapting to similar environmental stressors in similar ways.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to distinguish between genotype and phenotype in understanding the problems with attempts at human racial classification because attempts at classifying races have traditionally used phenotypic traits, such as skin color or facial features, as markers of common ancestry. However, many of these characteristics are not necessarily linked to shared genetic material or ancestry. Instead, they may be the result of different populations biologically adapting to similar environmental stressors in similar ways (i.e. convergent evolution). Therefore, relying solely on phenotypic traits for racial classification can be misleading and inaccurate, and it is important to take into account factors such as genetic variations and cultural practices.

In Understanding the Problems with Attempts at Human Racial Classification,why