Question

Is race a valid, biologically meaningful concept? Which of the following statements describe how the work of Franz Boas challenged the concept of race?

a. By studying traits in immigrants, Boas showed that racial types were unstable.
b. By studying traits in both parents and their children, Boas showed that the phenotypic characteristics associated with race can change.
c. By studying genetic markers, Boas showed that there are larger genetic differences between parents and children than between individuals who look the same.
d. By having a very small study group of immigrants who did not freely interbreed where they migrated, Boas showed that genetic drift could not even change racial markers.

Answer 1

The correct answers are option a. "By studying traits in immigrants, Boas showed that racial types were unstable" and b. "By studying traits in both parents and their children, Boas showed that the phenotypic characteristics associated with race can change".

Step-by-step explanation:

Franz Uri Boas is one of the pioneers of modern anthropology with such relevance in the field that is considered the "Father of American Anthropology". The work of Franz Boas challenged the concept of race in different ways. By studying traits in immigrants, Boas showed that racial types were unstable, particularly he reported that a dramatic change such as the cranial form could be defined purely by the environment. Also, By studying traits in both parents and their children, Boas showed that the phenotypic characteristics associated with race can change. Most of Boas studies took place in New York and his influence is still present in modern studies.