Which of the following best defines human variation?

The chosen answer accurately captures the concept of human variation, which refers to the differences in physical and genetic traits among humans across various populations. This definition emphasizes that variations can occur due to spatial factors (where populations are located) and temporal factors (how traits may change over time). Understanding human variation involves examining how environmental influences, genetics, and cultural practices contribute to the diversity seen within our species.

For example, variations may include differences in skin color, body shape, or susceptibility to certain diseases based on environmental adaptations. Such study can reveal valuable insights into human evolution, migration patterns, and the impact of social and environmental factors on physical characteristics.

In contrast, the other choices diverge from the concept of human variation. While differences in genetic makeup among species (the first choice) focus on interspecies variation rather than within human populations, the study of non-human primate anatomy (the third choice) pertains to our relatives in the animal kingdom rather than human populations. The examination of ancient human artifacts (the fourth choice) is relevant to understanding historical and cultural aspects of human life but does not specifically address the biological variations within contemporary or ancient human groups. Thus, the emphasis on spatial and temporal aspects makes the selected definition the most fitting.