Ancestry

Question 1

Define ancestry

Answer 1

the biogeographical origin of an individual as determined by their genetics and passed down through their family tree

Question 2

Define race

Answer 2

a physical and societal categorization based on the outward appearance of an individual and their skin tone

Question 3

define ethnicity

Answer 3

Refers to the shared link between people of the same culture or language with shared traditions, values, and behaviours.

Question 4

Describe the controversy surrounding ancestry

Answer 4

> skeletal traits may not be population specific; assigning individuals to ancestral categories based on traits fails to take account of the diversity seen in humans.
Populations move and mix all the time such that they may not fit a constant definition.
Assigning individuals an ancestral group based on physical characteristics may perpetuate racial stereotypes.
Ancestry is complex and multi-factorial and as such cannot be reduced effectively into a single category.

Question 5

Limitations of morphological ancestry estimation

Answer 5

> Highly subjective; visual traits may be interpreted differently; interobserver error.
Categorisation of traits into phases relies on observer experience; having observed the full variance of trait expression.
Morphological features of the skull can be affected by both sex and ancestry; must be aware of the interactions.
Attributing ancestry to skeletal features oversimplifies the variation seen within many populations.