Some Pakistanis exhibit physical traits considered "European" primarily due to their genetic ancestry, which includes contributions from West Eurasian populations.
Here's a breakdown of the factors contributing to this phenomenon:
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Genetic Heritage: Pakistan's geographical location has made it a crossroads of migrations and invasions throughout history. This has resulted in a diverse gene pool, including significant contributions from:
- Steppe Ancestry: Indo-European migrations from the Steppe regions of Eurasia brought genetic lineages that are also found in many European populations. These migrations introduced genes associated with lighter skin and hair.
- Zagrosian-Iranian Farmer Ancestry: Early agriculturalists from the Zagros Mountains (present-day Iran and Iraq) also contributed to the genetic makeup of the region. These groups share a common origin with populations that later migrated to Europe.
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Geographical Variation: Genetic influence varies across different regions of Pakistan. Northern regions, in particular, show higher frequencies of West Eurasian genetic markers compared to southern regions.
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Phenotypic Expression: The presence of these genes can manifest in physical traits such as:
- Lighter skin pigmentation.
- Lighter hair color (blonde, brown, or red).
- Lighter eye color (blue, green, or hazel).
- Certain facial features, such as nose shape and eye shape.
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Complex Genetic Interactions: It's crucial to understand that appearance is determined by a complex interplay of multiple genes. The specific combination of genes inherited by an individual dictates their phenotype.
In essence, the presence of "European" features in some Pakistanis is a result of shared ancestry with European populations, primarily through migrations and gene flow from Central and West Asia over millennia. This complex genetic history contributes to the diverse appearance of people within Pakistan.
