Biological Differences Between Different Populations - Essay Example

Biological differences between different populations The biological differences that exist between differentpopulations of the world are discussed with focus on differences observed in nervous system, physical characteristics, sexuality, ocular anatomy and development. Following a discussion about origins of biological differences, an account of the various differences observed among different populations is given. The work concludes by highlighting the importance of further research that is required to explore the mechanisms of biological differences further. Key words: differences, populations, biological Introduction If we take a closer look at the anatomical, psychological, behavioral and other aspects of the lives of people around the globe, it becomes clear that there are quite obvious differences that exist among populations. The blacks are well known for their stronger physique while the Asians are considered to have a comparatively higher IQ than other populations in general. Similarly, there are a number of diseases which are more prevalent among certain populations and totally non-existent in others. In terms of social behavior, people from certain populations are known for the aggressiveness while other are noted for being cool minded. These visibly apparent differences raise a number of questions regarding their true origins. Although, a simple approach would be to look for the causes in the political, social and religious spheres of life; yet a truly scientific approach would not miss the option of looking into the biological basis of such manifestations. Such queries may be directed towards delineating macroscopic differences in some cases; while in others the orientation of this quest should be towards exploring the microscopic explanations. Whether microscopic or macroscopic, the biological basis provides a rather novel explanation of the differences observed among various populations of the world as we shall see in the following lines. Discussion The origin of biological differences Human beings as a species have a history which is very rich in events of migration. Whether this migration was for the purpose of survival or for improvement of life standards, the ultimate result was a better adaptation of this species to the various environmental conditions of the planet. Exposure to new lands not only opened doors of opportunity to the migrated, but also provided them a means of intermingling with other population groups, thereby ensuring mating. Although various social and cultural hindrances limited such reproductive encounters; yet the biological aspect has always been favorable for them. In recent times, the promotion of concepts like 'globalization' and 'global village' have removed the remaining barriers to an extent where intermingling of genetic pools of different populations have become easier (Hagen). The basis of biological variation is genetic variation that not only exists among different species but is also observable within species. The basic code that determines the genotype and ultimately the phenotype of an organism is present in the cells of organisms in the form of DNA. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) possesses specialized sequences of genetic information which are termed genes; the genes code for specialized proteins which are formed within cells and later perform dedicated functions. The transmission of genetic information from a generation to the next is by means of a specialized method of cell reproduction that is termed meiosis. Crossing-over that occurs between chromosomes during meiotic process ensures shuffling of genetic material; the shuffled genetic code is presented for genetic coding purposes to the next generation. Other methods of alteration in genetic code may include processes like mutations due to radiation or mediation etc. It is obvious from this discussion that transmission of genetic information is a random process, and the genetic pool of a given population is vibrant enough to bring about detectable phenotypic changes. For this reason, a number of changes in anatomical, developmental, psychological and biological terms can be noted among the members of different populations of the world (Schaechte, 558). Biological differences between populations Although there are a number of parameters that may demonstrate phenotypic differences, a number of selected differences will be discussed in the following lines. Some of the differences may provide considerable biological survival benefit to certain populations, while other differences may be a cause of limiting the success of a population in terms of survival in the conglomerate of world societies. Differences in nervous system A number of very prominent changes have been observed among the brains of individuals belonging to different populations of the world. Generally speaking the brains of East Asians are bigger in size as compared to that of whites or the blacks; this has a number of very important implications in social and behavioral terms. For this reason, the East Asians mature slowly and demonstrate higher IQ levels. Black populations on the other hand fall at the other extreme of the picture having smaller brains that mature early and have lower IQ scores. The whites are generally in the middle range. The average volume of an East Asian's brain is 1 cubic inch more than that of a white's brain, whereas a white has 5 cubic inches extra volume of brain when compared to a black. These differences have wider implications in terms of their social success. This can be highlighted by the fact that East Asians have fewer divorces; fewer reported cases of child abuse and also fewer out-of-wedlock births as compared to the whites and the blacks. Similarly, more among the Orientals (East Asians) graduate successfully from educational institutions and fewer go to jails/prisons (Rushton, 1009-1024). Certain morphological differences have been reported between the brains of English-speaking Caucasians and Chinese speaking Asians. These changes were limited to gyri in the parietal, temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. However, instead of associating this change with a genetic factor, the researchers linked it to the phenomenon of neural plasticity which is an adaptation of the brain due to its use (skill acquisition) (Kochunov, 961-964). Differences in physical attributes Taking a closer look at the statistics of success in sports reveals that black men and women are far superior to their white or Asian counterparts. This has been related to the genetic advantage that they have which is manifested in terms of their body structure that is more suited for physical activities. Blacks have comparatively narrower hips, more muscle mass with less body fats and also wider shoulders. This type of physique is more suited for endurance activities and it is this area where the whites and the Asians fail to beat them often. The wider pelvis seen among whites and Asian females corresponds to the big size of head that is due to more brain volume that is characteristic of this population. These women have a wider pelvis to make the delivery of big sized heads possible during birth. This advantage appears as a loss when seen in the light of endurance activities where this becomes a hindrance to success of these female athletes (Rushton, et al., 40). Hormonal differences The black population expresses 3%-19% more male sex hormone (testosterone) as compared to their white and Asian rivals. For this reason, the level of energy available to blacks for physical activity far exceeds their counterparts (Rushton, et al., 40). Differences in sexuality The Asians have been found to be the least sexually active as compared to the whites or blacks. The black males are highly active sexually and this corresponds to their elevated testosterone levels. A prominent manifestation of this fact is the increased likelihood of blacks getting involved in unsafe sexual practices and the increased incidence of STDs in this population. The opposite is true for the Asian population, and the white population falls somewhere between the two extremes. Differences in Ocular Anatomy Keeping in view the current prevailing notion of using iris as a source of identity of individuals, a brief account of the differences observed in the structure of eyes among different populations deserves attention (Blake et al., 9-25). A few characteristic differences are given below; Thick-appearing upper eyelids are seen among Asians. The extent of globe protrusion is higher in blacks as compared to the whites. Myopia is more prevalent among Chinese as compared to Malays and Indians. Episcleral malanosis is commonly seen among Asians and blacks. The central corneal thickness (CCT) of African-Americans is less as compared to white Americans. Blue irides (Iris) are more common among members of the white population. Differences in Development Considerable variation can be seen among children of different populations when their growth rate is compared. Black females generally give birth to babies earlier than other populations. Moreover, the black babies after birth demonstrate an elevated rate of growth as compared to the white babies. Measured in terms of bone development, black babies mature faster and by the age of 5 years the difference in growth between the black and the white babies is clearly evident; the whites lagging behind (Akerlof and Yellen). Conclusion From the above discussion it is clearly evident that a number of anatomical, psychological and development differences exist among individuals of different populations. The differences can be genetic in nature, but environmental and physiological variations may also play a role in this regard. It appears that the biological understanding of these differences needs considerable improvement before the underlying mechanisms associated with these differences can be detailed with certainty. References Akerlof, George A., and Janet L. Yellen. "An Analysis of Out-Of-Wedlock Births in the United States | Brookings Institution." The Brookings Institution. Brookings, Aug. 1996. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. Blake, C. Richard, Wico W. Lai, and Deepak P. Edward. "Racial and ethnic differences in ocular anatomy." International ophthalmology clinics 43.4 (2003): 9-25. Hagen, Ed. "Biological Aspects of Race — American Association of Physical Anthropologists."Welcome to AAPA — American Association of Physical Anthropologists. physanth, 27 May 2009. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. Kochunov, P., et al. "Localized morphological brain differences between English-speaking Caucasians and Chinese-speaking Asians: new evidence of anatomical plasticity." Neuroreport 14.7 (2003): 961-964. Rushton, J Philippe;Graves, Joseph L, Jr Insight on the News; May 28, 2001; 17, 20; ProQuest Research Library pg. 40 Rushton, J. Philippe. "Race differences in behaviour: A review and evolutionary analysis." Personality and individual Differences 9.6 (1988): 1009-1024. Schaechter, Moselio. Desk Encyclopedia of Microbiology. Oxford, UK: Academic Press/Elsevier, 2009. Internet resource Read More