Is your height a product of your genes or your dinner plate?
In short: Modern humans have grown significantly taller than their ancestors, but the reason is likely not evolution. This video examines how nutrition and disease resistance drive height, proving that environment plays a far greater role in physical stature than genetic shifts.
While it is tempting to attribute height changes to microevolution, evidence suggests that environmental factors are the primary drivers. The body's ability to reach its full growth potential depends heavily on the quality of nutrition consumed and the absence of diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption.
Historical data shows that human height fluctuates in direct response to environmental conditions. During periods of relative comfort, populations tend to be taller, whereas times of strife and scarcity consistently correlate with shorter stature. This indicates that our physical development is more a reflection of our living conditions than our ancestral genetic makeup.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Are People So Much Taller Today Than Historically?
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