In fact, genetic differences between various population groups is not that great. So what accounts for the differences in nose shape across population groups? Shriver and his team looked at 3-D photos of each individual and examined the width of the nostrils, the distance between nostrils, the height of the nose, nose ridge length, nose protrusion, external area of the nose and area of the nostrils. If not genetic drift, then natural selection must have played a hand in the evolution of nose shape in humans. "Researchers have only recently begun to uncover the genetic basis of traits like nasal shape in humans," Weinberg said.

Source: CNN March 16, 2017 18:33 UTC