5 Examples of Natural Selection in Human

Examples of natural selection in humans include the development of lactose tolerance, resistance to certain diseases, and variations in skin pigmentation.

Examples of Natural Selection in Human

Here are few examples of natural selection in humans:

1.    Resistance to malaria

People with the sickle cell trait are more resistant to malaria than people without the trait. This is because the sickle cell trait causes the red blood cells to become misshapen, which makes it difficult for the malaria parasite to live inside them. 

Over time, people with the sickle cell trait have been more likely to survive and reproduce in areas where malaria is common. As a result, the sickle cell trait has become more common in these populations.

2.    Lactose tolerance

 Most mammals lose the ability to digest lactose after they are weaned from their mothers. However, some humans are able to digest lactose throughout their lives. This is because they have a mutation that allows them to produce the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. 

Lactose tolerance is more common in populations that have a history of drinking milk from animals. This is because people who were able to digest lactose were more likely to get the nutrients they needed from milk, and they were more likely to survive and reproduce.

3.    Skin color

Skin color in humans is a result of natural selection. People with darker skin have more melanin, which is a pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

In areas with intense sunlight, people with darker skin have been more likely to survive and reproduce. As a result, darker skin color has become more common in these populations.

4.    Height

Height in humans is also a result of natural selection. In general, taller people have been more likely to survive and reproduce in agricultural societies. 

This is because taller people are better able to reach crops and defend themselves from predators. As a result, taller height has become more common in these populations.

Environmental factors, such as nutrition and disease, can also play a role. For example, people who live in areas with good nutrition and access to healthcare are more likely to be taller than people who live in areas with poor nutrition and limited healthcare.

5.    Intelligence

Intelligence is a complex trait that is influenced by many genes. However, there is some evidence that natural selection has also played a role in the evolution of human intelligence. 

In particular, it is thought that natural selection has favored genes that make people more intelligent in environments where complex problem-solving skills are essential for survival.

Also learn Examples of Natural Selection in Plants

Examples of Natural Selection in Animals

Examples of Natural Selection in Microbes