Genetic assimilation in ethnic minorities

Abstract

Broadly, genetic assimilation may be taken to mean the process by which groups acquire similar genes to one another. In the case of ethnic minorities, this usually involves a minority group and the surrounding majority population. Our knowledge of the genetics of human populations is imperfect and we may declare that only a small fraction of the total set of genes we possess may be identified. These genes may be divided into three subsets:(1) genes which are known and have known effects upon characteristics of those who possess them;(2) genes which are known and may be identified but have no known effects;(3) genes which are unknown, presumed to be awaiting discovery.