razas

Razas is a Spanish term that translates to "races" or "breeds" depending on context. In biology and anthropology, razas can refer to populations within a species characterized by inherited differences. In animal breeding, razas commonly denotes a defined lineage with standardized traits, preserved by selective breeding.

In humans, the concept of race has historically been used to categorize people. Modern science emphasizes continuous human variation and shared ancestry rather than discrete racial groups. Most scholars view race as a social construct with real-world effects, while genetics shows that geographic ancestry and admixture explain much of observed diversity.

In animals, a raza or breed is a population with common traits such as size, coat, temperament, and performance. Breed registries define standards and maintain pedigrees. Examples include dog breeds (e.g., Labrador Retriever), cattle breeds (e.g., Holstein), and horse breeds (e.g., Arabian). Breeding programs aim for desired traits but can raise concerns about loss of genetic diversity and health problems from inbreeding.

Outside humans and livestock, the term is also used for plant varieties and other cultivated organisms in some contexts. Discussions about razas intersect with ethics, welfare, and social implications when referring to humans or other sentient beings.