Final answer:
The mutation causing lactase persistence is likely to differ between individuals of African and European descent due to distinct evolutionary pressures and the independent development of lactase persistence in different global populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the mutation causing lactase persistence in people of African descent is likely to be different than that in people of European descent. The prevalence of lactase persistence is highest in northern Europe and tends to decrease in populations further south. This distribution pattern suggests that different populations may have developed lactase persistence through distinct genetic mutations. In people of European descent, the mutation associated with lactase persistence could protect against diseases like plague and smallpox, while in African populations, other evolutionary pressures such as malaria might have shaped the genetic traits including the ability to digest lactose.
Importantly, lactase persistence mutations have arisen independently in several populations around the world, each under unique environmental pressures and through diverse evolutionary pathways. This means that the genetic basis of lactase persistence in African individuals may not necessarily be the same mutation seen in Europeans. The specific genetic changes confer an evolutionary advantage given different regional challenges and dietary practices, leading to lactose tolerance.