Quote:
Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b
Humans have to be mutts. Homo sapiens is one of the most generalized animals nature has ever produced -- our species basically has no specializations adapting it for any specific climate or environment, except that it in general not be too hot or too cold. Our chief survival adaptation is our brains, and to a lesser extent, our hands. Our survival depends on the exchange of ideas. There is a debate among scientists as whether Homo sapiens is still physically evolving, or whether we've short-circuited that with science. Bad genes don't get culled from our species like they used to.
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In general, I agree with your first point but it's worth noting that there are a couple of notable exceptions. Skin and hair color are types of genetic specialization adapting humans to specific environments. Also, some tribal groups in the Andes have noses/sinuses and lungs adapted to cold, low-oxygen environments. Overall, though, your assessment is correct.
And, as others have stated, if one goes far enough back in time, all humans are essentially mutts. People that talk about "racial purity" flat out don't know their history, or are willing to ignore certain bits. I'm currently reading a book about the last days of the Roman Empire and I'm flabergasted by all of the migrations and ethnic minglings that took place throughout the empire.