Over 100 human genes show likely selection with cultural origins

Evidence

These cases of culture-driven genetic evolution are three of the best documented examples we have, though there’s every reason to suspect that they represent only the tip of an iceberg. The evolutionary biologist Kevin Laland and his collaborators have already fingered over 100 genes that have likely been under selection, based on analyses of the genome, and have at least plausible cultural origins. These genes influence an immense spectrum of traits ranging from dry earwax and malaria resistance to skeletal development and the digestion of plant toxins. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 302

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Baltic agriculture led to genetic selection for very light skin — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 281; Cultural evolution has been the central driver of human genetic evolution for eons. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 1015; Culturally transmitted skills created selection pressures shaping human anatomy and physiology — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 313 (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• Culturally transmitted skills created selection pressures shaping human anatomy and physiology #corroborates (0.90) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 313
• Religious practices may have genetically altered human populations through gene-culture coevolution #exemplifies (0.88)
• Religious prosocial beliefs may have shaped human genetic evolution #exemplifies (0.87)
• Cultural evolution has been the central driver of human genetic evolution for eons. #expands (0.85) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 1015
• Cultural economic packages drive genetic differences even between nearby populations #exemplifies (0.85) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 311
• Accumulating culture continuously drives selection for bigger brains and better learners #expands (0.85) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 206
• Cumulative cultural evolution drives selection for brains specialized to acquire cultural information. #expands (0.82) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 218
• Residence norms measurably shape patterns of human genetic variation #exemplifies (0.80) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 311
• Cultural evolution can create selection pressures stronger than natural ones #qualifies (0.78) — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 282