This study investigates the relationship between physical appearance and genomic African ancestry in Brazilians. Researchers used a panel of 10 population-specific alleles to estimate African ancestry (AAI) in individuals. They found that physical appearance, such as skin color, hair type, and facial features, is not a reliable predictor of genomic African ancestry. For example, individuals classified as black based on physical traits had AAI values overlapping with those of white individuals, indicating that physical appearance does not accurately reflect genetic ancestry. The study analyzed two Brazilian population samples: one from a rural community in Minas Gerais and another from urban areas across four geographic regions. The results showed that AAI values for individuals in the rural community varied widely, with significant overlap among the three Color categories (white, black, intermediate). In contrast, when comparing Brazilian whites to Portuguese and Brazilian blacks to São Tomé islanders, there was a significant difference in AAI values. The study also examined the genetic makeup of Brazilian populations, finding that most Y chromosomes in white Brazilian males were of European origin, while mtDNA showed a significant Amerindian and African contribution. The results suggest that Brazil's population is trihybrid, with European, African, and Amerindian ancestry. The study highlights the limitations of using physical appearance to determine genetic ancestry, as Color is not a reliable predictor of genomic African ancestry. The findings emphasize the importance of using genetic markers to understand ancestry, rather than relying on physical traits. The study also discusses the social and historical context of Brazil's population, noting that social structures and historical events have influenced the distribution of genetic ancestry. The research underscores the need for more accurate genetic markers to better understand the complex ancestry of Brazilian populations.This study investigates the relationship between physical appearance and genomic African ancestry in Brazilians. Researchers used a panel of 10 population-specific alleles to estimate African ancestry (AAI) in individuals. They found that physical appearance, such as skin color, hair type, and facial features, is not a reliable predictor of genomic African ancestry. For example, individuals classified as black based on physical traits had AAI values overlapping with those of white individuals, indicating that physical appearance does not accurately reflect genetic ancestry. The study analyzed two Brazilian population samples: one from a rural community in Minas Gerais and another from urban areas across four geographic regions. The results showed that AAI values for individuals in the rural community varied widely, with significant overlap among the three Color categories (white, black, intermediate). In contrast, when comparing Brazilian whites to Portuguese and Brazilian blacks to São Tomé islanders, there was a significant difference in AAI values. The study also examined the genetic makeup of Brazilian populations, finding that most Y chromosomes in white Brazilian males were of European origin, while mtDNA showed a significant Amerindian and African contribution. The results suggest that Brazil's population is trihybrid, with European, African, and Amerindian ancestry. The study highlights the limitations of using physical appearance to determine genetic ancestry, as Color is not a reliable predictor of genomic African ancestry. The findings emphasize the importance of using genetic markers to understand ancestry, rather than relying on physical traits. The study also discusses the social and historical context of Brazil's population, noting that social structures and historical events have influenced the distribution of genetic ancestry. The research underscores the need for more accurate genetic markers to better understand the complex ancestry of Brazilian populations.