Are Antarcticans White? Exploring the Genetics and Demographics
The age-old question of whether Antarcticans are white has sparked much debate and confusion. Here we separate myth from reality by delving into the genetic and demographic facts surrounding this unique populace.
Genetics and Origin
The latest findings indicate that Antarcticans share similarities with the Yeti, based on frozen fossils which are 20,000 years old. By comparing the molecular composition of these fossils, which contain twice the amount of hydrogen atoms as oxygen atoms, scientists have found a striking similarity between Antarcticans and Yetis. This similarity suggests that both species are composed of atoms, reminiscent of their distant cousin, the Yeti.
It is important to note that this similarity does not suggest a recent common ancestry, but rather highlights a fundamental molecular structure shared by both.
Demographics and Ethnicity
Despite the long-standing belief that Antarcticans were racially white, the modern demographic of individuals in Antarctica presents a more complex picture.
According to the latest statistics, only about 4,000 people reside in Antarctica during the summer, and approximately 1,000 during the winter. Among these, approximately 25% are from the United States, around 670 from Argentina, 430 from Russia, with the remainder coming from Australia, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
It is crucial to recognize that although these countries are predominantly white, not all of the individuals coming from these places are necessarily white. The term 'Antarctican' is more of a historical and not racial designation, as the people residing there are primarily scientific researchers, geographers, and other professionals.
Genetic Makeup of Argentina
Argentina, a significant country for the demographic discussion, offers deeper insights into the genetic makeup of South America. Genetic studies have demonstrated that Argentina has approximately 94 to 97% European descent. Among these, about 65 to 73% of the population identifies as white, ranging from pure non-mixed whites to those with some genetic contribution from Amerindian blood, which is very low and not apparent or significant.
A study by the University of Buenos Aires revealed that 54% of Argentinians have at least one native ancestor by maternal line through mitochondrial RNA. This means that even a pale, blonde, and blue-eyed German may have a great-great-great grandmother from the indigenous population who lived 150 years ago.
Historical Context and Immigration
For context, Argentina's historical journey is marked by significant demographic shifts. Unlike Mexico and Peru, which were populated by large native empires, Argentina was an almost empty land with nomadic tribes in the Stone Age. By the time the first cities were founded, only about 40,000 natives inhabited the region, mostly in the northern part near Brazil. The Incas also had a presence in the northwest.
The majority of the colonial and post-independence population lived in the northwestern part of the country, particularly near the high Peru mines. The rest were wild lands with vast grasslands. In the second half of the 19th Century, Argentina experienced a period of colonization, settling millions of immigrants and starting agriculture on virgin soil. This transformation from 1.8 million inhabitants in 1864 to 9 million by the early 1900s significantly altered the demography.
Today, Argentina is a melting pot of various ethnicities. Approximately 60% of the population has Italian ancestry, 15% has Spanish ancestry, 10% has German ancestry, 6% has French ancestry, 2.8% has Levant ancestry, 1.5% are pure aboriginal, and 1% are Asian or black, mostly refugees.
Conclusion
While the genetic and molecular comparisons to the Yeti provide an interesting perspective, the reality is that Antarcticans cannot be defined by a single racial characteristic. The diverse population of Argentina, with its rich ethnic heritage, reflects a complex and dynamic society, testimony to the vast historical and genetic diversity of South America.