203k views
1 vote
Is there any evidence that adaptive evolution has occurred in Homo sapiens since the species is first recognizable in the fossil record?

User Joshuaaron
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

There is evidence that adaptive evolution has occurred in Homo sapiens, such as the development of lactase persistence and the ability to tolerate high altitudes. The human species has shown adaptive responses to various environmental factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, there is evidence that adaptive evolution has occurred in Homo sapiens since the species is first recognizable in the fossil record. One example of adaptive evolution in humans is the development of lactase persistence, which allows individuals to digest lactose into adulthood. This adaptation is believed to have occurred due to the domestication of cows and the consumption of dairy products in certain populations. Another example is the evolution of the ability to tolerate high altitudes in populations living in the Tibetan Plateau.

Furthermore, the human species has shown adaptive responses to environmental factors such as diet, exposure to UV radiation, geographic isolation, and climate variability. These adaptations have allowed Homo sapiens to survive and thrive in different environments and challenges.

User Shahzad Afridi
by
7.5k points