Graydon et al. provide no new evidence that forensic STR loci are functional.
Graydon et al. recently reported "there is a correspondence between STR polymorphism and physical traits, suggesting that STRs may not be just genetic 'junk', but may play a role in influencing phenotypic differences between people.". We argue that this conclusion is unwarranted in light of past and present work in human population genetics. Instead, Graydon et al.'s results can be explained solely by population history.
Lohmueller
Kirk E
KE
D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics*; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences