300 words min/500 words max During our classroom discussion on evolution, we emp

Question

300 words min/500 words max

During our classroom discussion on evolution, we emphasized three requirements for natural selection: variation for a trait in a population, heritability of a trait, and differential reproductive success.

It is suggested that humans are evolving with respect to two traits that likely are favored by natural selection: HIV resistance and Height

Although human height is influence by both genetic and environmental factors – Human height is clearly variable. Human height has increased substantially over the past three decades. In certain populations, those changes seem to be due to evolution rather than improved nutrition and medical care.

Addressing the requirements for natural selection – Are humans evolving with respect to height?

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Explanation / Answer

Evolution requires variation in traits and selection/ transmission of these traits to subsequent generations for reproductive advantages.

It is known that shorter individuals are more likely to pass on the genes to the susequent generations. Still, there has been a trend towards increasing height. This suggests that nutrition and environment have played a key role in increasing height of humans. Moreover, evolutionary pressures are different for men and women. Wider pelvis gives reproductive advantage to women but does not favor locomotion in men. This is responsible for pushing the height of men whereas shorter height is favored for women.

However, the increase in height has largely levelled off suggesting that there are limitations to the extent that environment/nutrition can impact height changes in humans.

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