Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
The term Mongoloid (or less often Sinoid) describes a proposed but easily identifiable race of humans, most of whom live in Asia, Oceania or the Americas as natives. The grouping was one of the four major races recognized by Nineteenth Century racial theories. The Han Chinese are by far the largest Mongoloid group; indeed, they are the largest ethnic group of any race. Other Mongoloids include the Japanese, Koreans, and many smaller groups in Central Asia and the Arctic regions such as the Uzbeks, Yakuts, Eskimos, Tibetans, and, of course, Mongolians. Many peoples of Southeast Asia, such as Thais, Vietnamese, and Cambodians, are also considered Mongoloid.
The peoples of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are considered Mongoloid according to the four-race theory; however, they are quite genetically distinct from their neighbors to the north and may be considered a different race. This is also true of the American Indians.
Epicanthal folds and oblique palpable fissures are common among most Mongoloid individuals. Most exhibit Mongolian spot from birth to about age four. The vast majority have straight, black hair and dark brown almond-shaped eyes, and most have broad, relatively flat faces as well. Other traits often associated with Mongoloids include a supposedly high intelligence (although linking intelligence to race is often a controversial or even questionable issue; also see Race and intelligence and Model Minority) and a stoic, taciturn, unaggressive demeanor.
Since people with the disability Down syndrome have some superficial Mongoloid facial features, the term "Mongoloid" was once also used as a synonym for "retarded". This usage, once neutral, is now considered offensive.
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