Final answer:
Anthropologists and other scientists present evidence that racial distinctions are not grounded in biology but are culturally constructed, as demonstrated by the arbitrary nature of genetic markers associated with race and the variation within groups exceeding that between them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence presented by anthropologists, biologists, and geneticists indicate that race is a cultural construction rather than a biological trait. Genetic markers for physical characteristics like skin color and hair texture only reflect a tiny fraction of our DNA, and there are myriad other characteristics that could be arbitrarily used to classify people if societal views changed. Social constructs such as race have no biological basis, as the variation within so-called racial groups often exceeds the variation between them. Race has been shown to be a social construct with no scientific basis by examining the global distribution of human traits which demonstrate a wide spectrum rather than discreet categories.
Biological anthropology demonstrates that common notions of race are imprecise, as traits like skin color vary along a spectrum, originally serving functional purposes such as protecting against UV light or facilitating vitamin D absorption. Such evidence rejects the biological explanations of race, supporting the idea that race is a constructed category imposed by society. The American Association of Anthropologists, American Sociological Association, and American Psychological Association all officially oppose biological explanations of race, acknowledging that race is a social, not biological, construct.
It's crucial to understand that while the biological concept of race is debunked, racial categories still influence social dynamics considerably. Racial categories can lead to discrimination or solidarity and continue to be a powerful force in societies. Hence, the understanding of race needs to be grounded in cultural anthropology and sociology, recognizing the historical and current impact of racial constructs on human relations.