Global Landscapes of Human Phenotypic Variation in Inherited Traits

The 2017 document examines the genetic underpinnings of human phenotypic variation and its adaptation to different environments. It discusses how traits like skin color, hair morphology, and facial features differ between populations due to genetic adaptations to factors such as UV radiation and diet. The study of genome-wide SNP and sequence data helps identify traits under natural selection and genetic differentiation between populations. The document also explores adaptive evolution in the human genome and uses GWAS to understand the genetics of traits like height and obesity. It notes that while common variants explain some heritability, much is still unknown, necessitating further research into rare variants and epistatic effects. Specific genes are linked to adaptations in certain populations, such as the Inuit and Siberians, and to traits like pigmentation and hair morphology. Variations in genes like EDAR are associated with hair, teeth, and baldness, with different prevalences across ancestries. Additionally, the document covers earwax type, blood types, and secretor status, indicating that infectious diseases have been a significant selective pressure in human evolution. Understanding these phenotypic variations provides insights into human history and past environmental adaptations.