Body heat Quote by Nicholas Wade
““Another possibility is that the sweat glands were the driving force behind the rise of EDAR-V370A. East Asians are usually assumed to have evolved in a cold climate because of certain traits, such as narrow nostrils and a fold of fat over the eyelid, which seem helpful in conserving body heat. But researchers have calculated that the EDAR variant emerged some 35,000 years ago, at which time central China was hot and humid.””
About This Quote
Source Research Article: Nature Genetics, 2013
The EDAR-V370A gene may have been selected for sweat gland function rather than cold adaptation, emerging when central China was warm and humid.
In simple terms: Sweat glands likely drove the gene’s spread in warm climates.
Key Takeaway
Consider environmental factors beyond temperature in evolution.
Themes
genetics
evolution
human adaptation
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
scientific
informative
When to use this quote
- anthropology
- medical research
- public health
- education
Key Concepts
sweat gland function
natural selection
climate adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- What other traits could have co‑evolved with EDAR?
- How does climate influence genetic traits?
A Different Perspective
The hypothesis may overlook other selective pressures.
