The Role of Evolution in Lactase Persistence

Why are some populations able to digest dairy more easily than others? In this text, we explore lactase persistence (the ability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, after childhood) as an example of cultural and behavioral factors that lead to genetic adaptation—and prove that it has little to do with the idea of race.

Topics

  • RDEISE
  • equity
  • racism
  • inclusion
  • diversity
  • belonging
  • health equity
  • public health
  • medical discrimination
  • lactase persistence
  • case study
  • convergent evolution
  • genetic frequency
  • selection pressure
  • polymorphism
  • single nucleotide polymorphism
  • SNP