What term refers to shared physical traits that have little genetic contribution?

The term that refers to shared physical traits that have little genetic contribution is race. In sociology, race is categorized based on perceived physical characteristics, such as skin color, facial features, and hair type. Although these traits might be visible and culturally significant, they do not correspond neatly with genetic variations, meaning that the physical appearance commonly associated with different racial categories often has limited genetic basis.

Race serves as a social construct that shapes identities and influences social dynamics, but it does not directly reflect distinct biological differences among human populations. This scientific understanding highlights how race is often more about societal perception and categorization than about genuine genetic or biological differences.

In contrast, ethnicity involves shared cultural traits; culture encompasses shared beliefs, values, and practices; and nationality pertains to one's legal membership in a nation-state. These concepts highlight that while race is primarily focused on physical characteristics, the others emphasize cultural, social, and legal dimensions of identity.