University of Phoenix Chapter 13 Genetic Variation and Human Variations Discussion

discussion 1

Chapter 13 Reading

LINK-

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Before reading the chapter

1.  What is your understanding of race and human variation? Do you think we  are all the same or do you think there are difference between humans  (not including sex)? Where did you learn about this – school, social  media, friends, etc. ?

After reading the chapter

2. How is the genetic variation of the human species distributed worldwide?

3.  The book mainly focuses on traits like skin color and lactose  intolerance. What about the brain? Could mental attributes (say  something like intelligence) also differ from human population to human  population? If you don’t think so, explain why you think that evolution  didn’t impact the brain (the brain is part of the body after all).

discussion 2

Chapter 14 Reading

LINK-http://explorations.americananthro.org/

5 Sentence minimum per response.

1.  Detail at least two examples of how natural selection has influenced  human variation. Specifically, what was the selective pressure that may  have led to a preference for a specific trait and how is that trait  related to an increased level of fitness?

2. What are some of the  risks associated with pregnancy at high altitude? Compare and contrast  the various genetic mutations of the indigenous Tibetan, Andean, and  Ethiopian high-altitude populations. In your answer, specifically  address the issue of pregnancy at high altitudes.

3. What is the  relationship between the sickle cell mutation and the Plasmodium  parasite? Would having the HbSA genotype still be advantageous in a  region where such parasites are not common? Why or why not?