Genetics Test Extra Credit

You may earn up to 20 extra credit points on the genetics test by answering the following four questions, each with a full paragraph (at least 3 sentences, preferably 5 or more). First, view the two movie clips taken from "Race: The Power of an Illusion" and then answer each question in turn (you can also find the transcript of the movie here if it helps to read it, instead of or in addition to watching it). The completed essays will be due by class time on Monday, November 8. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the assignment during lunch or breaks this week.

1. What is skin color not genetically concordant with (related to) and why is this important to understanding what race is and isn't?

2. What did you and the students in these videos discover about the the ability of skin color or geographic ancestry to predict genetic similarities or differences?

3. Where did all humans live when the most fundamental genetic variations in our species evolved and what does this tell us about ourselves?

4. If the science of genetic difference has been clear for almost 40 years, why do you believe people still look to skin color as a key indicator of biological difference?