Author/Source: hhmi BioInteractive

Overview: In this set of lessons, students explore patterns of phenotypic diversity in humans — including variation in physical traits, biochemical traits, physiological traits, and even some preferences and behavioral tendencies. By examining data from actual studies and making inferences about patterns they observe, students learn about and reflect on how much all humans have in common, ways we differ, and how differences may or may not be related to where our ancestors lived.
 

Concepts: This lesson covers the following concepts:

• Ideas about Variation within Humans: introduces human similarities and differences.
• Describing Variation within Humans: a deeper dive into exploring human variation.
• Comparing Traits among Populations: compares traits among people from different geographical populations.
• Combinations of Traits: explores whether knowing one trait in a person allows you to accurately predict their other traits. It also explores whether patterns from combinations of traits can easily be applied to groups of people.  

Grade Level: 9-12
 
Time: 50 minutes
 
Teacher Background: Explore these links for additional information on the topics covered in this lesson:

• One Species Living Worldwide
• Human Skin Color Variation

Lesson URL: https://www.biointeractive.org/classroom-resources/patterns-human-phenotypic-diversity