"Traces of a Distant Past"

     The article entitled"Traces of a Distant Past," published in 2008 edition of "Scientific American" by Gary Stix, explores the genetic family tree that begins with the San people of African (as shown in "Journey of Man" and ends with South American Indians. Through artifacts and bones, scientists can trace paths of migration, but can only go so far as these objects are difficult to find. However, by using DNA, scientists can compare contemporary humans to determine how long a population has lived in a region.  After decades of genetic sampling, the latest studies envelop entire genomes and provide maps of human migration across the world. The studies also depict certain adaptations relating to peoples' genes, such as those relating to diet, climate, and disease.

        The article also makes a strong argument that from the genetics standpoint, the differences between all groups or rather ethnicities of people are not all that prominent. In fact, this has sparked a debate over what exactly constitute a race or ethnicity. From the viewpoint of many geneticist, the distinction between human diversity is miniscule.