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Honest, no-agenda question: if you go to East Africa where homo sapiens originated, there is (reportedly) much more genetic diversity than in the rest of the wo

Honest, no-agenda question: if you go to East Africa where homo sapiens originated, there is (reportedly) much more genetic diversity than in the rest of the world. I haven't been there, myself. So forgetting scientific studies for the moment: if you just walk around in a city, is that apparent to you? Do you think, "Wow, there sure are a lot of different types of people here?"

robwwilliams 2y ago
No you would not. The underlying level of genetic diversity is often not reflected in the diversity of classical phenotypes and traits.
- Cupertino95014 2y ago
  I can't argue, not having been there. Still, I wonder if anyone here has?
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CSMastermind 2y ago
I grew up in the US but have traveled through East Africa as well as most of the rest of the world, I don't think there's any major human population center I haven't been to. My answer to your question would be a qualified no. You'll see more phenotypical diversity walking around New York than Nairobi thanks to globalization. With that said, the qualification I'd put on that is that if I consciously think about what region of the world I've seen the most variation in body plan/portions and facial geometry, I'd probably pick East Africa. You do do encounter pretty much the full spectrum of shapes human beings come in. I will also say that I remember being surprised by how much variation in body shape I saw in China. Maybe this is pure western ignorance but I had an idea in my mind about what the average Chinese person looked like and I found myself having to adjust my expectations in ways I have no had to do anywhere else. The last thought I'd leave you with is that you absolutely should make it a priority to visit East Africa. Kenya in particular is where I always tell people to go but Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia are all good options. It far exceeded my expectations. Stay out of Nigeria though lol
- Cupertino95014 2y ago
  Thanks. I've been to Sweden and Italy, and they definitely do not follow stereotypes. Swedes, especially, are not all or even mostly blond & blue-eyed.
  - goodcanadian 2y ago
    A bit late to respond, but my take on visiting Sweden was: No, they aren't all tall, blond, and blue-eyed, but there sure are a lot of people who are.

robwwilliams 2y ago

No you would not. The underlying level of genetic diversity is often not reflected in the diversity of classical phenotypes and traits.

Cupertino95014 2y ago
I can't argue, not having been there. Still, I wonder if anyone here has?

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CSMastermind 2y ago

I grew up in the US but have traveled through East Africa as well as most of the rest of the world, I don't think there's any major human population center I haven't been to. My answer to your question would be a qualified no. You'll see more phenotypical diversity walking around New York than Nairobi thanks to globalization. With that said, the qualification I'd put on that is that if I consciously think about what region of the world I've seen the most variation in body plan/portions and facial geometry, I'd probably pick East Africa. You do do encounter pretty much the full spectrum of shapes human beings come in. I will also say that I remember being surprised by how much variation in body shape I saw in China. Maybe this is pure western ignorance but I had an idea in my mind about what the average Chinese person looked like and I found myself having to adjust my expectations in ways I have no had to do anywhere else. The last thought I'd leave you with is that you absolutely should make it a priority to visit East Africa. Kenya in particular is where I always tell people to go but Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia are all good options. It far exceeded my expectations. Stay out of Nigeria though lol

Cupertino95014 2y ago
Thanks. I've been to Sweden and Italy, and they definitely do not follow stereotypes. Swedes, especially, are not all or even mostly blond & blue-eyed.
- goodcanadian 2y ago
  A bit late to respond, but my take on visiting Sweden was: No, they aren't all tall, blond, and blue-eyed, but there sure are a lot of people who are.