Western

Name:
Mohamed ahmed wahdan

Class:
Myp5b

Subject:
Biology

Task:
Factors affecting human variation

Due date:
9/1/2023

Teacher:
Ms. Nashwa

Problem:
A study shed important light on the ways that dietary habits from various cultural
backgrounds affect a person's body mass index. The results could help us
comprehend how cultural influences shape eating habits and how they affect body
mass index. The findings may have an impact on culturally appropriate dietary
recommendations, nutrition education programs, and public health initiatives that
support healthy weight management in a variety of demographics.
Research question:
How does culture affect human variation?
Sources:
(Schoenberg, 2024)

(factors affecting human varaiation , 2023)

(Jackson, 2004)

(Environment factor and human variation, 2020)

(Plotkin, 2011)

(historical factors and human variation, 2012)

(sexual reproduction and guman variation, 2010)

Background information:
The range of phenotypic and genetic variations seen in individuals or human
populations is referred to as human variation. It is an essential feature of the human
species that reflects the variety of traits and adaptations that have developed over
the course of our evolutionary history.
One important aspect of human variation is genetic variation. While 99.9% of
human DNA is shared by all species, the remaining 0.1% is responsible for major
variations in traits and disease susceptibility. Numerous processes, such as genetic
drift, sexual reproduction-induced genetic recombination, and mutations, give rise
to genetic variation. When sperm and eggs are formed, recombination reorganizes
the genetic material already present in the population, whereas mutations add new
genetic variations to the population. Chance variations in gene frequencies over
time, especially in small populations, are referred to as genetic drift. Genetic
variation is present in populations both within and between groups. The term
within-population genetic variation, describes the genetic variations that exist
between members of the same population or group. The term "between-population
genetic variation" describes the genetic variations that exist among various
populations.
Another important component of human variation is phenotypic variation, or
variation in observable and physical traits. A combination of genetic,
environmental, and cultural factors can impact phenotypic traits. For instance,
genetic factors, such as melanin production and distribution, as well as
environmental factors, like sunlight exposure, can affect variations in skin color.
There is a great deal of variation in other phenotypic characteristics among human
populations, such as eye color, hair texture, and facial features.
The diversity seen among individuals or groups within the human species is
referred to as "human variation." Numerous physical, physiological, and behavioral
characteristics can exhibit this variation, which reflects the intricate interactions
between genetic, environmental, and cultural factors. Key components of human
variation include the following:

Variations of Genetics:
 The major contributors to human variation are genetic factors. People inherit their
parents' genetic makeup, and the interplay of these genes produces individual
characteristics. Genetic diversity develops as a result of recombination, gene flow,
and mutation.
Physical Variation:
There is variation in the physical attributes of humans, including skin tone, hair
type, facial features, body mass, and other anatomical features. These variations
frequently show historical factors and environmental adaptations.
Physiological Variation:
Individual differences in immune system responses, hormone levels, metabolism,
and other physiological processes all play a role in the variances in health and
well-being.
Behavioral Variation:
A mix of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors affect human behavior.
Human diversity is richly woven together by differences in personality, cognitive
ability, social behaviors, and cultural practices.
Cultural Variation:
Human variation is greatly influenced by cultural factors. Different societies have
different cultural practices, traditions, languages, and belief systems, which have
an impact on people's identities and behaviors.
Environmental Variation:
Both genetic and phenotypic traits can be influenced by an individual's living
environment, which includes factors like climate, location, and resources available.
People who live at high altitudes, for instance, might adapt physiologically to
reduced oxygen levels.
Historical and Demographic Variation:
Regional and historical variations are a result of genetic drift, migrations, and
changes in population that have occurred throughout human populations' history.
Socioeconomic and Educational Variation:
Individual and population-level differences in opportunities, lifestyle, and health
can be influenced by socioeconomic factors such as education and resource
availability.
Adaptation to Local Conditions:
Certain traits, such as disease resistance or climate adaptability, may be exhibited
by populations in response to their particular local environments.
Factors affecting human variation:
Human variation, sometimes called human diversity, is the spectrum of genetic and
phenotypic variations seen in individuals or groups. Human variation is caused by
a number of factors, including:
Genetic Factors:
A major contributor to human variation is genetics. The term "genetic variation"
describes the range of genetic composition found in people or populations. It
results from variations in genes and genetic markers as well as discrepancies in the
DNA sequence.
SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms:
The most prevalent kind of genetic variation in humans is found in SNPs. They
happen when a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence—A, T, C, or G—is changed
for a different nucleotide. Numerous traits and characteristics, such as physical
attributes, disease susceptibility, and medication responses, can be influenced by
SNPs.
Variations in Copy Numbers (CNVs):
DNA segments that are duplicated or removed from the genome result in structural
variations known as CNVs. CNVs have the potential to significantly impact gene
expression, phenotypic variation, and susceptibility to disease.
Additions and Removals (Indels):
Nucleotides can be inserted or removed from the DNA sequence in an INDEL
mutation. They may result in frameshift mutations, which change a gene's reading
frame and may have an impact on how well a protein functions.
Distinctions in Structure:
Larger-scale changes to the genome, such as chromosomal rearrangements,
translocations, and inversions, are referred to as structural variations. Gene
expression, phenotypic traits, and gene regulation may all be significantly
impacted by these variations.
Haplotypes:
On the same chromosome, haplotypes are particular combinations of genetic
variants that are inherited together. They can provide light on a person's or a
population's genetic heritage and historical demographics.
Aspects of human variation that are influenced by genetic factors include:
Physical characteristics:
Physical attributes like skin tone, eye color, hair type, height, body type, and facial
features are influenced by genetic variations. Due to evolutionary adaptations to
various environments, these traits may differ between populations.
Susceptibility to Disease:
Genetic differences can influence a person's vulnerability to a number of different
illnesses. Genetic variations have the potential to either increase or decrease the
likelihood of developing certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer,
metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Drug Reactions:
Genetic differences can affect how a person reacts to medicine. Genetic variations
can impact drug metabolism, effectiveness, and possible side effects, resulting in
individual differences in drug responses.
Environmental factors:
Human variation is significantly shaped by environmental factors. These variables
cover a wide range of environmental elements, such as location, temperature, food,
exposure to pollutants, and sociocultural norms. Human variation can be
influenced by environmental factors in multiple ways:
Climate and Geography:
People live in different climates and geographical areas, which exposes them to
different environmental factors like humidity, altitude, temperature, and amount of
sunlight. These environmental influences have the power to gradually alter
physiological characteristics in order to maximize survival and procreation.
Populations in colder climates may have adapted to maintain body heat, while
populations in high UV radiation areas have darkened skin pigmentation to protect
against sunburn and skin damage.
Diet and nutrition:
Human variation can be greatly influenced by nutritional factors. Physical
characteristics like height, weight, body composition, and bone density can be
impacted by dietary variations, variations in the availability of specific nutrients,
and cultural dietary practices. During growth and development, adequate nutrition
is essential, and insufficient nutrition can lead to other health problems or stunted
growth.
Pathogens and Diseases:
Variations in human populations can result from exposure to various pathogens
and diseases. It's possible that populations residing in areas where specific
diseases, like tuberculosis or malaria, are highly prevalent have evolved immune
system and genetic defenses against these illnesses. Environmental elements that
can affect a person's susceptibility to specific diseases or developmental disorders
include pollution and exposure to toxins.
Socio-Cultural Practices:
Human variation can be attributed to socio-cultural practices, such as lifestyle,
occupation, and access to healthcare. Different populations may have differing
levels of physical and mental health due to variables that affect health outcomes,
disease prevalence, and general well-being, including education, socioeconomic
status, and access to healthcare.
Cultural Behavior and Practices:
Human variation can be attributed to cultural practices, including food preferences,
parenting styles, and way of life decisions. Cultural customs pertaining to physical
exercise, sleep schedules, or stress reduction, for instance, can influence
physiological characteristics and health results.
Cultural factors
Human variation is significantly shaped by cultural factors. A group or society's
common beliefs, values, customs, traditions, languages, and practices are referred
to as its culture. Human variation can be influenced by cultural factors in various
ways:
Language and Communication:
Variations in human variation can be influenced by language, which is a basic
component of culture. Language affects how people see and understand the world,
interact with others, and convey their feelings and ideas. Differences in vocabulary,
grammar, and even cognitive processes can result from linguistic variations.
Beliefs and Values:
Human conduct, attitudes, and decision-making are influenced by cultural beliefs
and values. They have the power to mold both individual and societal identities,
affecting how people view one another and themselves. views and ideals pertaining
to gender roles, families, religion, and spirituality.
Social Structures and Systems:
Within a society, cultural elements impact social structures, hierarchies, and
systems. These structures have the power to influence social mobility, educational
attainment, and health outcomes by influencing access to opportunities, resources,
and opportunities.
Matrimony customs and patterns:
Cultural elements can affect matrimony and patterns, which in turn can affect
genetic diversity within populations. Genetic admixture and the distribution of
genetic traits across populations can vary as a result of endogamy, or marriage
within a particular group, and exogamy, or marriage outside a particular group.
Cultural Adaptations:
Through cultural practices, human populations have adapted to various ecological
conditions and environments. For instance, differences in subsistence patterns,
eating habits, and employment activities can result from cultural practices related
to agriculture, fishing, hunting, and resource management.
Historical Factors:
Human variation is significantly influenced by historical factors. The genetic,
cultural, and environmental elements that contribute to human variation are shaped
by historical processes and events. The following are some ways that human
variation is influenced by historical factors:
Migration and Gene Flow:
Throughout history, human populations have moved and interacted with one
another. Gene flow and genetic mixing result from migration, which is the
movement of people and their genes between different regions. This has the
potential to enhance genetic diversity within populations and facilitate the
exchange of genetic characteristics among populations.
Slavery and colonization:
These historical events have had a significant impact on human variation. During
these times, population mixing, forced migration, and relocation have resulted in
complex patterns of genetic admixture and the creation of diverse populations with
mixed ancestry. This has added to the genetic diversity that is currently seen in
many different places.
Genetic bottlenecks and founder effects:
There may be less genetic diversity as a result of historical occurrences like
population bottlenecks or the founding of new populations. Genetic variations
could become more restricted when a small group of people separates from the
main population. This may cause some genetic traits or diseases to be more
common in these isolated populations.
Cultural Diffusion and Exchange:
Throughout history, various populations have engaged in the exchange and
diffusion of cultural practices, technologies, and ideas. Through the introduction of
new knowledge, technologies, and customs, this cultural exchange affects human
variation by influencing behavior, beliefs, and practices in various geographic
areas.
Historical Adaptations:
Human adaptations have been shaped by past environmental circumstances and
selective pressures. For instance, populations that have historically resided in high-
altitude areas have evolved physiological responses to lower oxygen levels, such as
increased production of red blood cells. Human variation has also been impacted
by historical events that have changed food habits, exposure to disease, and
occupations, such as the development of agriculture and urbanization.
Cultural Trauma and Resilience:
Historical occurrences like genocides, wars, and conflicts can have a significant
effect on a population. These traumatic events can affect social structures, cultural
practices, and beliefs. They can also have an impact on societal, psychological, and
genetic reactions. The ability of cultures to adapt and bounce back from past
traumas is another factor in human variation.
Sexual reproduction:
One important mechanism that adds to human variation is sexual reproduction. A
child's unique gene combination is the result of the sexual reproduction process,
which combines the genetic material of two parents. A great variety of traits and
characteristics can be expressed within populations as a result of the genetic
diversity this process creates. Genetic recombination is brought about by sexual
reproduction, when genetic material is exchanged and shuffled during meiosis.
This results in genetic combinations that are novel for each generation. Genetic
diversity is continuously produced as a result of this recombination and genetic
mutations, since those with advantageous traits are more likely to successfully
reproduce through sexual reproduction, natural selection is also aided by this
process. In general, sexual reproduction plays a major role in the diversity of
human genetic makeup and the capacity to adapt to shifting environmental
conditions.
Hypothesis:
The body mass index (BMI) varies among different populations, and this variation
is related to cultural practices.
Scientific reason:
Dietary habits can be greatly influenced by cultural factors, such as food
preferences, cooking techniques, and eating habits. Body weight and BMI can be
impacted by these cultural practices because they can have an effect on nutrient
intake, portion sizes, and overall energy balance. The hypothesis looks into how
dietary habits and cultural variables affect different populations BMI differences.
Variables:
The dependent variables:
Weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared) yields the body mass
index (BMI).
the independent Variable:
Cultural eating customs, grouped according to the participants predominant
cultural tradition or local cuisine (western, east Asian and Mediterranean).
Controlled variables:
Controlled Variables How to Control Reason for Control
Because body composition
and metabolism alter with
stratified sampling: Make
age, age can have an impact
sure that every cultural
on BMI. Age controls make it
dietary practice includes a
possible to analyze the
range of age groups. For
relationship between cultural
Age instance, assign participants
dietary practices and BMI
to age groups and select
more accurately because
participants equally from
cultural factors, rather than
each group within each
age differences, are a better
culture.
explanation for variations in
BMI.
Gender Make sure that men and Gender variations in biology
women are represented in and physiology can influence
each cultural diet practice by BMI. By adjusting for gender,
using stratified sampling. the relationship between
Select participants in each cultural dietary practices and
cultural group equally BMI can be evaluated more
 accurately because any
variations in BMI are more
between the sexes.
likely to be caused by cultural
factors than by gender.
Genetic testing or self-
reporting are two ways to get BMI can be influenced by
genetic ancestry information. genetic factors, which can
Make sure the genetic differ amongst populations.
backgrounds of the The emphasis can be shifted
participants in each cultural from potential genetic
Genetic Ancestry
dietary practice are similar, or variations that might skew the
if the participants' genetic results to the influence of
backgrounds are cultural dietary practices on
heterogeneous, statistically variations in BMI by
control for genetic ancestry in adjusting for genetic ancestry.
the analysis.
The degree of physical
Utilize activity monitors or
activity influences energy
standardized questionnaires
expenditure and has an
to gather self-reported
impact on BMI. Because any
physical activity data. Assign
observed differences can be
participants to low, moderate,
attributed to cultural factors
Physical Activity Level or high activity categories
rather than variations in
within each cultural dietary
physical activity, controlling
practice, or use statistical
for physical activity level
controls to account for
helps isolate the impact of
physical activity level in the
cultural dietary practices on
analysis.
BMI variations.
Materials:
Materials/Tools Quantity Purpose/Use
to precisely calculate each
participant's weight.
Weight Scale 1
Weight information is
necessary to compute BMI.
to precisely measure each
participant's height. A
Tabe meter 1
person's height is required
to calculate their BMI.
to input, store, process,
Computer/Laptop 1 and produce data for
statistical analysis.
to gather extra data on
things like socioeconomic
status, physical activity
Questionnaires Sufficient copies level, genetic heritage, age,
and gender. These data aid
in result analysis and
variable control.
Safety:
Ethical Considerations:
Throughout the experiment, abide by ethical rules and values. Obtain the
appropriate institutional review board or ethics committee approvals.
Screening of Participants:
Make sure participants meet the inclusion criteria and have no medical conditions
or contraindications that could make the experiment risky before involving them in
the study through a thorough screening process.
Reduce Physical Risks:
Make sure the area is secure while taking measurements. Remove any obstructions
that might lead to mishaps or injuries. When handling tools and materials, keep
things tidy and hygienic.
Steps:
1- Choosing Cultural Groups:
Pick a variety of cultures or geographical areas that are well-known for their
unique culinary customs. Make sure the regions or cultural groupings are
geographically separated and diverse. Think about contrasting the eating habits of
the West, East Asians, and Mediterranean’s, for instance.
2- Participant Recruitment:
hiring: Make sure each cultural group has a diverse representation of ages and
genders by gathering a sizable sample of participants from that group.
3- Gathering of Data:
a. Anthropometric Measurements: Using established methods, determine each
participant's height and weight.
b. Dietary assessments: Use food frequency questionnaires, dietary recall
techniques, or surveys to gather data on diet. This information will shed light on
the participants' cultural food preferences and eating habits.
4- Calculate:
each participant's BMI by applying the following formula: BMI = (weight (kg) /
(height (m))^2.
5- Examination:
the information to look for any connections or relationships between different
cultural eating customs.
Table of results:
Cultural BMI (weight (kg) /
Participant Dietary Height (m) Weight (kg) (height (m))^2.
Practice
1 Mediterranean 1.67 65
2 Mediterranean 1.72 70
3 Mediterranean 1.75 75
4 East Asian 1.65 55
5 East Asian 1.58 50
6 East Asian 1.72 60
7 Western 1.80 85
8 Western 1.75 80
9 Western 1.68 75
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Schoenberg, A. D. (2024, 1 2). what is human variation. Retrieved from socialsci libretexts:
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