Why are there different races?

Question

We all have the same homo-sapian ancestor, so why are humans so diverse?

Answer 1

Over the course of evolution genome and epigenome have  interacted with environment driving speciation (formation of new species) as well as variation in particular species. Races are the likely outcome of such quantitative and qualitative interactions.

 

Human beings as well as animals are attracted towards morphological variations, for instance a Caucasian person might find an oriental partner more attractive. Such mating (biological term for marriage or union) would lead to genetic variations and rise of mixed race that may stabilize to a newer race over the time.

 

Laboratory mouse (mus musculus) is only one species yet there are many coat-colors!

 

Likewise human races have evolved in response to natural and man-made(mating) factors! Morgan has very nicely explained some of these factors.

 

Hope this additional information and example will be helpful as well.

 

 

 

Answer 2

My theory is because of Pangea, the continental landmass that existed for over 300 million years ago broke apart, making ways for the birth of the continents we know today, new ecosystems, and the separation of small countries as well. As people wandered off to explore and find new settlements, they diverged, some staying in Africa, to Asia, and upwards, far up north, walking among glaciers to develop into North and South America. Those who stayed near the equator developed darker skin due to the heat, and those who didn't, who fared better in Europe and the northern parts developed fairer skin, and their eyes changed from brown to either blue or green.

Answer 3

I know there are various answers to this question, but the one I'm most familiar with is related to geographic isolation (can't remember the precise ecological term). Basically, as people separated into various regions across time, and the generations grew and diversified, the individual populations began having traits more and more suited to their environment as well as neutral traits simply unique to them. For instance, populations historically closer to the equator developed darker skin in response to the more prolonged and intense sunlight. I imagine that other traits (eye shape, for instance) simply emerged as different over time without necessarily serving any particular purpose.

Answer 4

Take a very serious look at the question that you wrote.

 

There are many, various "scientific" and "religious" views regarding that "first" "homo sapian ancestor."  Note: all of the quote marks are because no one has or ever can produce physical evidence that we all have a single, same ancestor (like Lucy and others).  All we have are statements about the past and theories and conjecture (which makes believing it a matter of faith); of course, none of it can be replicated, or tested, as the scientific process requires.

 

Therefore, logically, the "why are" portion of the question also allows for diverse conjecture.  Yes, we can observe differences, but we only guess at the "why."  There cannot be a right or wrong answer to such a question.  As a silly joke, people used to ask a good man, "When did you stop beating your wife?"  All of the answers that you hear or read will be conjecture.  Some answers will be very creative thinking.

 

The silliest reasons sound like, "because they needed it."  Here is an example: "Early animals needed eyes in order to quit bumping into things.  So, they started growing them."

 

Now, the real questions becomes, "Why are there such similarities between people and such distinct differences between people and animals?  Why are species of animals so very different?  Shouldn't there be a continuum of varieties from one extreme characteristic to the other extreme characteristic?"  This sounds like the question, "Where's the 'missing link?'"  Well, we haven't found one, the fossil record doesn't have one, ..., no one has ever or can produce one.

 

We can observe a limited amount of physical change; for example when identical twins eat different food, get different amount of exercise, live in different climates, etc.   But, the question you posed said "diverse" and that wouldn't explain it.