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Head: EVOLUTION & DIVERSITY SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT

ANTH-1020 Signature Assignment:

Human Variation Amidst Broad Views
Brett B. Allison
Salt Lake Community College

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Introduction
The current amount of species on earth is approximately 8.7 million, which embodies:
animals, plants, fungi, protozoa, and chromista. (Census of Marine Life 2011). Planet Earth has a
remarkable aptitude to provide necessary resources for an abundant amount of life to exist. Earth
also contains much undiscovered truth of phenomena that can be explained through science;
regarding how each species became differentiated from one another over millions of years of
existence. Biological processes, as well as environmental conditioning have created variation,
which is deeply rooted in the genetic structure of all species. This assists species to adapt to
interconnected surrounding environments in which they inhabit, and enables sexual reproduction
for species that are optimally fit. Variation explains the range in appearance from aquatic life to
mammals. Most, if not all of the mammal genera are sexually dimorphic, which means; the
differences in appearance between males and females of the same species, such as in colour,
shape, size, and structure that are caused by the inheritance of one or the other sexual pattern in
the genetic material (sexual dimorphism 2016). Due to the enormous amount of variation along
with sexual dimorphism between species; the genus Homo will be discussed in further depth
because of the existent dichotomy between the perspectives of biological science and cultural
perspectives upon human variation.
Reference Frame 1
A wide spread of technological advancements in science and biology have been
discovered in the last millennium, which has caused a disarray of theories regarding the effects
biology and the environment have upon human variation. This common topic of discussion may
have also inspired Professor Daniela Crocetti to write and publish an article titled, Genes and
Hormones: What Make up an Individuals Sex. This article focuses primarily upon gender, and

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its disposition in both the social, and biological body. Professor Crocetti covers three biological
myths in depth that include, the relationship between chromosomes, hormones, and the
biological image of sex in the body (Crocetti, D. 2013, p. 23). Crocetti also correlates as to
whether or not these relationships relate and contribute to the many disorders of sexual
development (DSD).
Placement in Biological Body
In biology we are taught that the XX chromosomes indicate a female individual and XY
a male. We are told that the maternal egg contributes an X and the paternal sperm contributes
either an X or Y that then affects the sex of the developing tissue (Crocetti, D. 2013). One may
think that this is basic knowledge however; to understand human variation one must also be
conscious of a scientific theory known as the central dogma of molecular biology. The central
dogma of molecular biology explains that DNA codes for RNA, which codes for proteins. DNA
is the molecule of heredity that passes from parents to offspring. It contains the instructions for
building RNA and proteins, which make up the structure of the body and carry out most of its
functions (Genetic Science Learning Center 2014, June 22). The Central Dogma is, however
unidirectional, which means that it does not indefinitely manufacture a body with a physique
related to that of ones biological gender. This is a huge indicator that the central dogma of
molecular biology is a primary component in the creation of most DSDs. To this date the
absolute origins of all disorders of sexual development are unknown, however testing upon the
disease have revealed that most disorders of sexual development occur primarily in early stages
of sexual development. This is when the offspring of a progenitor receives an unusual
chromosome pattern (Different than XX, or XY) when proteins are being coded. Another factor

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includes incidents during a progenitors pregnancy that may alter a genetic recipient within the
womb at gene level. (Cameron 2006, September 18, p. 4).
Placement in Social Body
While variation, sexual dimorphism, and the central dogma of molecular biology exist,
ideologies of the subject differ between people due to numerous individual thought processes
that have been structured and altered by social environments. Many social scientists visually
conceive environment as an external factor of an ecological system that influences the human
races intuitive conviction, and then influence individuals of the race to act upon it, which in turn
create mannerisms that affect internal factors at a gene level. While this is in part truth,
geneticists would expand upon the theory by adding that other internal factors affect gene
structure as well, such as: neurotransmitters, hormones, cellular machinery and proteins, viral
and bacterial infections, and chemical molecules at the level of the gene. (NCHPEG. 2012,
January 3)
While consisting of two biological sexes, and deriving from the same common equatorial
ancestor, Homo sapiens often conflict with one another regularly due to meaningless differences
in variation, and sexual dimorphism. These two independent variables merely contribute in
adaptation to the environment, and reproductive success in given regions of the planet, yet for
thousands of years Homo sapiens have embodied acquired traits amongst a widespread of culture
within social groups in different regions of the world.
Rooted from a misconception of variation, the term race has been created by man, and
is commonly misused as a social concept. While exchanged between separate groups of human
beings the term is deviated by determinacy of self-identification, and the classification amongst
separate individuals or groups of Homo sapiens. Separation of humanity is based upon variables,

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such as: geographical residence, cultural manner, and genetic traits. In theory, race has not
diversified the human race into separate species, but has merely differentiated Homo sapiens
across the globe to remain optimally fit within their surrounding environment. Difference of
traits (skin pigmentation, limb length, etc.) in all actuality is a remarkable thing, and variation
between Homo sapiens should be embraced by all of mankind.
Reference Frame 2
The question of how and why particular characteristics arose and flourished in particular
populations appeared as an important area of inquiry only after World War 2, with the
emergence of the new physical anthropology and its emphasis on human variation resulting
from natural selective process (James, G.D. 2010). The affects variation has had upon recipients
of certain acquired traits are discussed thoroughly in Mr. Gary D. James article Climate Related
Morphological Variation, and Physiological Adaptations in Home sapiens. While displaying
evidence that states the fact that Homo sapiens derive from a common ancestor, Professor James
addresses the sequential process of variation, which has occurred over millions of years in
humans. Mr. Jamess angle upon variation is focused upon the extreme conditions of Earths
environments that humans have inhabited. These include: variation of hot and cold temperature,
altitude differentiation, and variation of ultraviolet radiation. It is evident that different elements
of environment indefinitely influence genetic change on a macro evolutionary scale.
By any account, we cannot ignore the idea of human races. It is in daily common use, a
basis of self-identification and for many a key to their social identity (Chakravarti, A.2014,
January 9). While both social conceptions, and biologic evidence regarding race exist the
scientific community will remain extremely interested in human variation and all elements
included such as DSDs. Conducting research in human genetics will continue to lead modern

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day science to greater heights in understanding disease, preventing, and eliminating it. One man
that has also been consumed with human variation is Aravinda Chakravarti, P.H.D. and formally
known as the 2008 President of the American Society of Human Genetics. This human
geneticist holds multiple prestigious titles, including the Professor of Medicine at John Hopkins
University School of Medicine (ASHG. 2014). The lab that Professor Chakravarti leads is
interested in analyzing developmental disorders of neuronal function (Hirschsprung disease,
autism) and two late age-at-onset cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, sudden cardiac death).
(Home 2012). Genetic diversity ranges between humans from a genome sequence that ranges
back to Africa, which makes the subject extremely complex when scrutinizing and comparing
the genomic sequence to one another (ASHG, 2014).
Conclusion
I found both Crocetti, and Jamess articles to be extremely intriguing, as well as posses
clear explanations of how human variation exists upon different spectrums. Thorough research of
multiple accredited sources, and cross-referencing extracted information has led to a perceptible
bias upon human variation being; both the biological body, and environment are evident in
influencing diversity within the genetic structure of Homo sapiens. These two factors also assist
in the formation of disastrous effects upon Homo sapiens, which include many disorders of
sexual development, mutation, and widespread misconceptions of the term race amongst
mankind. Homo sapiens will continue to conduct further research, however until further research
is conducted creating absolute truth; the controversial stigma of human variation will exist.

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References
The American Society of Human Genetics, ASHG. (2014). Aravinda Chakravarti, PhD ASHG
Past President (2008). Bethesda, MD: Rockville Pike. Retrieved August 02, 2014, from
http://www.ashg.org/press/achakravarti_bio.shtml
Cameron, D., Trinkl, P., & Leidolf, E. M. (2006, September 18). Handbook for Parents.
Retrieved March 18, 2016, from http://www.accordalliance.org/dsdguidelines/parents.pdf
Census of Marine Life. (2011, August 24). How many species on Earth? About 8.7 million, new
estimate says. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2016 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823180459.htm
Chakravarti, A. (2014, January 9). Perspectives on Human Variation through the Lens of
Diversity and Race. Retrieved March 18, 2016, from
http://www.cshlpress.com/pdf/sample/2014/humanvariation/HumVarCh1.pdf
Crocetti, D. (2013). Genes and Hormones: What Make Up an Individuals Sex. In M. Ah-King
(Ed.), Challenging Popular Myths of Sex, Gender and Biology (pp. 23-32). Switzerland: Springer
International.
Genetic Science Learning Center (2014, June 22) The Central Dogma. Learn.Genetics.
Retrieved March 20, 2016, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/centraldogma/
Home. (2012). Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://aravindachakravartilab.org/pro/Home.html
James, G.D. (2010). Climate-Related Morphological Variation and Physiological Adaptations in
Homo sapiens. In C.S. Larsen (Ed.), A companion to Biological Anthropology (pp. 153-166).
sexual dimorphism. (2016). In Encyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/science/sexual-dimorphism

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National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics, NCHPEG. (2012, January
3). Enviromental Continuum. Retrieved March 21, 2016, from
http://www.nchpeg.org/bssr/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=94:environment
al-continuum&Itemid=131