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Which one of the statements about race is true?

a. Races are groups of populations that are characterized by a broad set of biological traits that set them apart from other such groups.
b. Races are the human inhabitants of a continent.
c. Races are groups that have adapted to their local environments with unique behavioral and reproductive patterns.
d. Race is characterized in humans by greater inter-group genetic variation than intra-group variation.

User Artparks
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Final answer:

The correct statement about race is that it is characterized by greater genetic variation within groups than between them, debunking the concept of race as a biological categorization. Studies show that many human traits vary on a spectrum, without fitting into discrete racial categories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about race is d. Race is characterized in humans by greater inter-group genetic variation than intra-group variation.

Biological and genetic research has demonstrated that race as a biological concept is not valid. Studies reveal that there is more genetic variation within so-called racial groups than between them. Through the work of geneticists and biological anthropologists, we know that traits such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture do not align neatly into racial categories. These characteristics vary along a spectrum and are mixed among individuals in a way that defies clear-cut racial division. In fact, only a small fraction of our genetic markers determine visible differences like skin pigmentation. If we were to classify humans based on different genetic markers, such as height or blood type, the racial groups would look entirely different.

Considering this, most scientists agree that social constructs of race, although not grounded in biological reality, still play a significant role in societies and can influence social interactions and policies. Therefore, while race has profound social implications, it is not a scientifically supported framework for categorizing human genetic diversity.

User Juris
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