At what point did the gene stop being beneficial, and start to be detrimental? The answer is related to the change in the environment, as stated by Dr. Toomas Kivisild from the University of Cambridge. The genomes of 25 Northern Siberians were compared to that of Europeans and Asians. By comparison, Dr. Kivisild and his team noticed that the gene of interest was only found in the sequenses of those who lived in the cold climate of North Siberia. A variation found in gene CPT1A, which has been shown to breakdown fatty acids, is present in large amounts as an effect of the diets of the people in Northern Siberia. Statistics have shown that 68% of Northern Siberians have increased amounts of this gene, which was needed for survival. Therefore, it is no coincidence that those who live in colder climates have an increased amount of the genetic variant.
Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141023131653.htm
Supporting Article: http://www.adn.com/article/20141027/study-links-arctic-gene-survival-modern-illnesses
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