Human Variation and Adaptation to Different Environmental Conditions

Human Variation and Adaptation to Different Environmental Conditions

Many questions have been asked about human variation and why populations differ from one another. Some of the more obvious differences like skin color and body types gives rise to questions like, “Why does this happen?” and “How does this happen?”. There are many other differences in human variation that may not be as noticeable. One of the biggest causes for human variation could be climate fluctuations.

Many paleoanthropologists, those who study evolution, believe there are a variety of ways the environment has encouraged variation in humans. Could climate be the reason for variation in human noses? In Germany, researchers examined different nasal cavities in 100 human skulls in 5 different climates. “They found that the nasal cavities of cold, dry climate populations are relatively high and show a larger and more abrupt change in diameter in the upper part of the cavity than those of hot, humid climate populations.” (Raymond). This information does support the idea that human variation in noses could be caused by the adaptation to the climate that they lived in. The hairs within the nasal cavity also plays and important role because some environments may be dustier than others. These hairs help keep dirt and pathogens from entering and infecting the lungs. Heat and moisture are also important are also important for respiratory health in colder climates. “Cold, dry climate populations also show a relatively longer nasal cavity, giving this population more space in which to bring incoming air in line with body temperature.” (Raymond).

Another human variation that has scientist wondering if climate was an effect is the epicanthic fold. This distinct fold in the eye has a high concentration in certain geographical areas. It is sometimes refers to as the “Mongolian eye fold” because it is largely found near the continent of Asia. The epicanthic fold fuels many controversies because of...