Evolution and human: changes in europe with farming (Evolution)

by David Turell , Saturday, November 28, 2015, 21:55 (3281 days ago) @ David Turell

Apparently folks from Turkey migrated into Europe and introduced farming. There were then modifications to the existing population, perhaps epigenetic which became fixed:-http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151123202631.htm-"By taking advantage of better DNA extraction techniques and amassing what is to date the largest collection of genome-wide datasets from ancient human remains, the team was able to identify specific genes that changed during and after the transition from hunting and gathering to farming.-"Many of the variants occurred on or near genes that have been associated with height, the ability to digest lactose in adulthood, fatty acid metabolism, vitamin D levels, light skin pigmentation and blue eye color. Two variants appear on genes that have been linked to higher risk of celiac disease but that may have been important in adapting to an early agricultural diet.-"Other variants were located on immune-associated genes, which made sense because "the Neolithic period involved an increase in population density, with people living close to one another and to domesticated animals," said Wolfgang Haak."-Comment: Still the same species with reasonable modifications when lifestyle changed to farming from hunter-gatherer pursuits.