13.2: Patterns of Human Variation - in person
- Page ID
- 138555
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Patterns of Human Variation
Human diversity
Learning Objectives
- Identify that human biological traits are distributed in non-concordant patterns
- Recognize that patterns of human variation do not fit discrete racial groups
- Use biological anthropological terms to describe patterns of human variation
Supplies Needed
- Instructions
Readings
Introduction
Steps
- Students should be introduced to patterns of human variation ahead of time, either in class and/or through reading (e.g. Explorations Chapter 13). Terms and concepts that are important to define include: polymorphism, continuous variation, cline (or clinal distribution), and non-concordance.
- Students should be instructed that they will be organizing themselves into groups or in a long line based on their individual expression of a trait that the instructor names. As students move into a new place, they will need to note who they are grouped with. They should observe whether they are always with the same individuals, or if they cluster with different students for most of the traits
- The instructor should proceed through the traits listed below, directing students to the location they should stand in the room based on their traits. For example, “Please organize yourselves by height. Form a line against the back wall with the tallest students by the door and the shortest students by the window.” Some traits are discrete and may require additional directions. For example, “If you know your ABO blood type, please move to the wall that corresponds with your blood type. The north wall is A, west is B, south is AB, and east is O. If you do not know your blood type you can stand in the middle of the classroom.”
- Hair color
- Blood types (A, B, O, A/B)
- Whether or not your tongue curls
- Lactose tolerance or intolerance (ability to digest milk products)
- Left-handedness or right-handedness
- Fingerprint types (loop, whorl, arch or tented arch)
- Straight vs curly hair and in between
- Presence of freckles
- Height
- Skin color (compare the inside of your arm)
Conclusion
- Polymorphism,
- Continuous variation,
- Clinal distribution,
- Non-concordance of traits, and
- Genetic diversity is greater within-group than between-groups.