Which of the following best defines "race" in the context of human classification?

The chosen answer accurately identifies "race" as a classification in human societies based on transmissible traits, primarily physical characteristics that can be inherited. These traits often include factors such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features, which have historically been used to group people into different racial categories.

This understanding of race is rooted in biological and anthropological perspectives, where certain physical traits are passed down through generations. It's important to recognize that while these characteristics can define racial groups, the concept of race is socially constructed, often influenced by historical, political, and cultural contexts.

In contrast, distinctions based solely on geographic origin relate more to ethnicity or nationality rather than the broader concept of race. Cultural practices are also more aligned with ethnicity, focusing on behaviors, beliefs, and traditions rather than inherent physical attributes. Lastly, socioeconomic factors deal with social class and economic status, which do not inherently relate to the genetic or physical characteristics that typically define racial classifications.