[The problem of the adaptive norm in human populations].

The results of some investigations recently fulfilled in the framework of population-genetics approach to the problem of adaptive norm in human populations are summarized in this review. The main items considered are: methods of identification of morphologically "average" phenotypes, the role of stabilizing selection in maintaining the population adaptive norm, the problem of joint variation of monogenic and polygenic traits ant its relevance to "norm" and pathology. The significance of the concept of adaptive norm for preventive medicine and genetic monitoring is discussed.