Human Race - Human Species

The human species is with a vast amount of variety and distinct differences. Its rich diversity resulted from its global distribution, which caused the different populations of humanity to be geographically separated and reproduce to survive and flourish in many different parts of the world, whether the development of pointed noses in "Caucasians" to warm cold air before it entered the body or the dark pigment of Africans to ward off the harsh effects of indulging in too much exposure to the sun in the harsh African climate. Reproductive isolation enabled divergence -- the process of divergent evolution -- to occur, causing the isolated populations to evolve in different directions, developing their own distinct ensembles of genetic traits and characteristics.

Some people argue that there is only one human race, as there is full inter-fertility(the ability for other "races" to mate with other "races") between humans. Scientifically speaking, this means that humans are a single species. The term "race" is ambiguous as it has been given different meanings by different people. Dogs are a single species, but divided in distinctive races. Humans are not so clearly divided because of more numerous interbreeding and mixing through migrations, invasions or colonization. In other words "cross-breeds" have mostly replaced "pure breeds" among humans.

The only thing that matters when comparing human "races" are the genes of the individual being referenced, but as individuals from the same family already have different genes, it could be argued that there are as many "races" as there are individuals. The different races are often popularly defined and named (often inaccurately) by skin color, but as this system is based on only one genetic phenotypic difference, when hundreds are involved, it tends to distort the reality of race and racial differences. In the system of racial classification outlined by the United States for instance, the skin color of the individual was easier to group populations by than any other physical description readily available. Race relations in the World are easily dismissible as politically incorrect. The truth is no matter if you are from the far regions of Asia to the remote villages of Africa to the United States of America we are all one species regardless of color, creed, or upbringing.

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