Genetic Nature of Differences Between Species, Races, Breeds & Other Sub-Specific Groupings | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Genetic Nature of Differences Between Species, Races, Breeds

Genetic Differences Between Breeds:

• Over many generations, animals kept separate have differences due to genetic variations and selective breeding.
• Breeds may differ in gene homozygosity and allele proportions.
• Describing a breed involves stating homozygous genes and the frequencies of non-homozygous genes.

Species and Subspecific Groupings:

• Species are interbreeding groups, while distinct groups without intermediates are considered separate species.
• Species differences are more extreme than breed differences, leading to discontinuity in genetic compatibility.
• Discontinuity in interbreeding leads to different genetic averages between subgroups over time.

Race and Human Classification:

• Race classification pertains mainly to the human race, subdivided into subspecies.
• Human races are morphologically distinct groups within mankind.
• Genetic criteria for race classification in humans lack clear boundaries.

Race and Human Diversity

• Human races exhibit varying degrees of racial differences.
• Interbreeding among different races is successful, leading to the classification of all human beings under the species name Homo sapiens.
• Dictionary defines race as a group sharing consistent hereditary traits that are adequate to distinguish it as a unique human type.
• Racial groups inhabit diverse geographical regions and possess distinct cultures.
• In genetic terms, the concept of 'pure' race is misleading since all populations comprise individuals with genetic heterogeneity at multiple loci and alleles.
• A race can be described as a geographically and culturally isolated division of humanity with a unique gene pool compared to other similar groups.
• Differences among races or groups are akin to distinctions seen in breeds or species and should have evolved similarly.