163k views
1 vote
Human babies have a gene that produces an enzyme that breaks down the sugar found in milk. Over time, this gene is shut off in most adult humans. A mutation in this gene allows some adults to continue to drink milk without discomfort. Why would this mutation have allowed early humans to survive?

A- it provided milk free from bacteria

B- it provided vitamins that could only be produced in milk

C- it provided more cattle that could be raised by early humans.

D- it provided an alternative source of nourishment for early humans.

User Marsman
by
4.4k points

2 Answers

8 votes

Final answer:

A mutation allowing adults to produce lactase helped early humans by providing an alternative source of nourishment, which included vital nutrients needed for survival.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mutation that allows some adults to continue to drink milk without discomfort relates to lactose tolerance, enabling them to produce the enzyme lactase. This mutation would have provided a significant evolutionary advantage by offering an alternative source of nourishment for early humans (D).

With the domestication of cattle and the ability to consume dairy, these humans had access to an additional food source rich in calcium, proteins, and vitamin D. This would have been particularly beneficial during times of scarcity or when other food resources were limited, contributing to survival and reproductive success.

User Saketrp
by
4.4k points
3 votes

Answer:

I think it would be d

Step-by-step explanation:

User Aashish
by
4.9k points