A gene variant partly explains why Peruvians are among the world's shortest people

This article written by Tina Hesman Saey discusses how Peruvians are among the shortest people. A gene varient found in almost 5 percent of Peruvians reduces height by 2.2 centimeters on average. This is the biggest effect on stature recorded to date for a common version of a gene. People who carry two copies of the variant are on average about 4.4 centimeters shorter than the average height of people who do not carry the variant. Peruvian men average 5 feet 4 inches while women average 5 feet tall. The variant can be found in the gene known as fibrillin 1(FBN1) which produces a protein involved in forming bone, connective tissues, skin, and other tissue. 

This article provides more information on the FBN1 gene.