Citation
Evolution of lactase persistence: an example of human niche construction
TL;DR
Lactase persistence evolved independently in European and East African pastoralist populations
Detailed case study of lactase persistence as gene-culture coevolution. Dairy farming (behavioral niche construction) created selection pressure for adults to retain lactose digestion ability. This occurred independently in multiple populations, demonstrating how cultural practices reliably drive genetic adaptation.
Key Findings from Gerbault et al. (2011)
- Lactase persistence evolved independently in European and East African pastoralist populations
- Dairy farming created strong selection pressure for lactose tolerance in adults
- Cultural practice preceded and drove genetic change - classic niche construction