Evolution Speeding Up

December 10, 2007: Researchers at the University of Utah have published a report stating that human evolution has accelerated over the last 10,000 years. The study examined genetic data from various regions of the globe, and determined that the quickening of evolution my correlate with the worlds rate of population growth.

The study found that varying environments often keyed genetic differences. The study reiterated that skin pigmentation differences between ethnic groups is likely a genetic adaptation. Humans who migrated to areas with less sun adapted lighter pigments in order to absorb more light, thus aiding vitamin D production.U News: Are Humans Evolving Faster? (December 10, 2007) The study indicates that environmental differences are the major determinant of genetic mutation, and suggests that people in different parts of the globe will likely continue to diverge genetically.

• Google News: Evolution Speeding Up
• FOXNews: Human Evolution Seems to Be Accelerating (December 11, 2007)
  • The increase in human population from millions to billions in the last 10,000 years accelerated the rate of evolution because "we were in new environments to which we needed to adapt," Harpending adds. "And with a larger population, more mutations occurred."
• Reuters: Rapid Acceleration in Human Evolution Described (December 11, 2007)
• Los Angeles Times: "Study Finds Humans Still Evolving, and Quickly" (December 11, 2007)
• Times Online: Short Changed (December 11, 2007)
• Baltimore Sun: "Human Differences Increasing" (December 11, 2007)

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