Cultural evolution can influence gene expression from "summary" of The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins,Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science Richard Dawkins,David Dawkins,RICHARD AUTOR DAWKINS
Cultural evolution can indeed influence gene expression. Consider the example of lactose tolerance in humans. In some parts of the world, adults can digest lactose, the sugar in milk, while in other parts, they cannot. This is due to cultural practices of dairy farming and consumption. In societies where milk has been a dietary staple for generations, there is a higher prevalence of lactose tolerance. This cultural practice has exerted a selective pressure on the genes responsible for lactose digestion. Those with the genetic mutation that allows them to digest lactose have a survival advantage in such societies. Over time, this gene has become more prevalent in populations with a history of dairy consumption. This is a clear example of how cultural practices can shape gene expression through natural selection.
Another example is the evolution of language. The ability to communicate through language is a defining characteristic of humans. Language allows for the transmission of knowledge, ideas, and culture, shaping the behavior of individuals and societies.
This cultural evolution has likely influenced the development of certain cognitive abilities and neural pathways related to language. As humans developed more complex languages and communication systems, there may have been corresponding changes in gene expression to support these cognitive functions.
In this way, cultural evolution and gene expression are intertwined, with each influencing the other in a feedback loop. Cultural practices can create selective pressures that shape gene expression, while genetic traits can influence behavior and cultural practices. This dynamic interplay between culture and genetics has played a crucial role in the evolution of human societies and the development of our species.
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