Modern Human Diversity

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Chapter 13

• Modern Human Diversity
• Key Terms

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• polymorphicA species with alternative forms
  (alleles) of particular genes.
• polytypicThe expression of genetic variants in
  different frequencies in different populations of
  a species.

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• raceIn biology, a population of a species that
  differs in the frequency of the variants of some
  gene or genes from other populations of the same
  species.
• clinesGradual changes in the frequency of an
  allele or trait over space.

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• epicanthic eye foldA fold of skin at the inner
  corner of the eye that covers the true corner of
  the eye common in Asiatic populations.
• melaninThe chemical responsible for dark skin
  pigmentation, which helps protect against damage
  from ultraviolet radiation.

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• racismA doctrine of racial superiority by which
  one group asserts its superiority over another.
• lactoseThe primary constituent of fresh milk.

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• lactaseAn enzyme in the small intestine that
  enables humans to assimilate lactose.
• thrifty genotypeHuman genotype that permits
  efficient storage of fat to draw on in times of
  food shortage and conservation of glucose and
  nitrogen.