Lactose Tolerance and Human Evolution

The video explores the concept of lactose intolerance and its genetic basis. It begins by discussing the challenge of illustrating human evolution through food, leading to the discovery of lactose intolerance as a key example. Lactose, a sugar in milk, is broken down by the enzyme lactase, which most mammals stop producing after weaning. However, some humans continue to produce lactase into adulthood due to a genetic mutation. This mutation, known as lactase persistence, is prevalent in regions where milk-producing animals were domesticated, providing a survival advantage. The video highlights three epicenters of this mutation: Northern Europe, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Migration has spread the mutation, resulting in varying lactose tolerance rates worldwide. The video concludes by recognizing lactose tolerance as a mutation from the ancestral condition of intolerance.

What challenge did the creators face when illustrating human evolution through food?

• No examples of evolution in fruits

• Lack of examples for plant evolution

• Difficulty in demonstrating human evolution

• Insufficient data on animal evolution

What is lactose composed of?

• Sucrose and glucose

• Maltose and fructose

• Glucose and galactose

• Fructose and sucrose

Why can some humans digest lactose into adulthood?

• They have a genetic mutation

• They have a special diet

• They consume more dairy products

• They live in colder climates

What are common symptoms of lactose intolerance?

• Nausea and abdominal bloating

• Headache and fever

• Rash and itching

• Cough and sore throat

Which regions are identified as epicenters for the lactose tolerance mutation?

• South America, Australia, and Antarctica

• Northern Europe, East Africa, and Arabian Peninsula

• North America, South Asia, and East Asia

• Central America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia

What common characteristic do the epicenters of lactose tolerance share?

• Reliance on large milk-producing mammals

• Tropical climates

• High altitude regions

• Proximity to oceans

How did the lactose tolerance mutation spread to other regions?

• Through technological advancements

• By natural disasters

• Through trade routes

• Via migration of individuals

What is the ancestral condition regarding lactose digestion in adults?

• Lactose synthesis

• Lactose intolerance

• Lactose tolerance

• Lactose fermentation

Which ethnic groups in the United States show higher lactose tolerance?

• Groups from desert regions

• Groups from mountainous regions

• Groups from regions near epicenters

• Groups from tropical regions

Why can the narrator enjoy a glass of milk?

• Because of a genetic mutation

• Due to regular exercise

• Due to a special diet

• Because of living in a cold climate