Global Landscapes of Human Phenotypic Variation in Inherited Traits

Abstract

Modern humans exhibit phenotypic variation among individuals, and phenotypes in some physical and physiological traits are highly differentiated between populations. This chapter focuses on genetic polymorphisms related to phenotypes that show interpopulation differentiation, which have traditionally attracted the attention of both anthropologists and human geneticists. Owing to the recent development of DNA technology, we have obtained powerful tools for use in identifying the genetic polymorphisms associated with phenotypes. In addition, the availability of genome diversity data associated with global populations has enabled us to identify the signatures of the local genetic adaptations that are engraved in our genomes. Using data associated with current phenotypic variation in humans, we can elucidate the history of human adaptation in response to the selective pressures of various environments.