Agriculture Link to DNA Changes

Within a recent study, scientist have discovered that people's DNA changed drastically, following the incorporation of agriculture. Specifically alterations in height, digestion, immune systems and skin color were noted. Through the study of ancient skeletons, two evolutions have been discovered. First, prior to the rise in agriculture, the European population was made up of hunter-gathers. This population was then influenced by a population in the Near East and then finally by a nomadic population from Russia. As a direct result, the diets of these populations changed. The initial diets of the hunter-gather were ill equipped, for example, to digest milk. Not until the population began raising cattle did the gene LCT appear, which assists in milk digestion.

Additionally, the study noted that the original hunter-gather, who originated from Africa, had darker skin while the farmers from Anatolia were lighter, a trait that spread through Europe. The basis of this belief being that the early hunter-gather managed elevated vitamin D levels via the meat that was caught. While the farmers captured more vitamin D due to their exposure to sunlight at high altitudes. However, the spread of lighter skin, it is theorized, is the result of greater agricultural emphasis which resulted in lower vitamin D levels.

In the end, the study of ancient skeletons has provided an increased size or research subjects which, when studied have revealed an evolution. This genetic evolution is directly linked to the transition of gathering foods to hunting foods; from hunted foods to agricultural foods. 

Our DNA will continue to change, and future researches will be able to take notice. Our food will continue to change and our bodies will adapt to it. 

New DNA Analysis Shows Quick Change During the Agricultural Revolution

Humans as a species originated predominantly as hunter gatherers. It wasn't until a few thousand years ago that they began to settle down in one place and plant crops. By studying the DNA of these ancient humans, researchers have been able to see just how quickly their DNA changed to accommodate for this rapid shift in lifestyles. Certain crops began to be used as staples, which started to become a problem. Wheat, a crop low in key nutrients, was one of the primary food sources. A gene labeled SLC22A4 was identified that encodes for a protein that helps a cell capture more ergothioneine (an amino acid) than a cell without it. This gene gave a selective advantage to people with it by enabling them to obtain more nutrients from the food they ate. Along with this data comes a host of new questions. Researchers found that people in Northern Europe grew taller after the introduction of agriculture, and the people in Southern Europe began to grow shorter. As of now there is no real answer.

This research can lead to incredible new insights about the origins of humans as well as the lifestyles that they lived. As of now, only European skeletons have been analyzed. In the future, researchers can expect a host of new data to be gathered from around the world. One day scientists might be able to identify all the major genetic changes that humans have gone through to become the way that they are today.

An ancient European burial site