In addition to that, in terms of science, most of the superficial characteristics we observe in people are relatively unimportant genetically speaking. For example, given the frequency of type O blood and other genetic markers, the populations of Europe and Africa are closer in ancestry than are either to the populations of Asia and Oceania. So obviously, skin, eye and hair color have very little to do with it. Given the relatively high frequencies of blood types O and Rh-negative among the Irish, Berbers in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, and the Basques of Spain, there was probably some sea trade between North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and Ireland in Neolithic times, whether or not in reindeer hides for ship sails I cannot speculate. But then again, we cannot read too much into this because both type O and type Rh-negative are simpler blood types and therefore probably represent earlier types. They remain high in the above-mentioned locations precisely because these are relatively isolated and far removed from where the later types became prevalent, such as in the Middle East where agriculture developed. Just in terms of frequency, the basic type Irish numerically speaking has dark hair and blue eyes. The blond hair and blue eye type probably became widespread among the Finns and Scandinavians as a protection from predators e.g. wolves, and also from other hostile tribes. It is harder to spot in a cold, snowy landscape, so over a period of many, many millions of years, the lighter characteristics, even though recessive genetically, would tend to be inherited and passed down to succeeding generations in ever increasing numbers. Just as an afterthought, Turkey in the Near East has the lowest incidence of hg1 blood type at 1.8% on a spectrum stretching from the Near East across Europe with the Spanish Basques at 89% and Connaught Irish at 98% frequency. In the American colonies, all settlers from Ireland that I know about identified themselves as being Irish. It was only later that the terms Scotch-Irish and Anglo-Irish began to be used. Keep in mind that we atre talking about frequencies of genetic markers. Michael O'Hearn ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com