Evolution of the human face points to a non-violent past

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

8. Yes, we have evolved in a genetic sense,

and the first book I noted in particular details that evolution.

The sickle cell trait is one example. So is a reduction in our lower jaw.

It's one of those false bits of received wisdom that we stopped evolving around the time we settled down with agriculture, but in fact agriculture helped speed up recent evolution. Certain groups can continue to digest lactose into adulthood. Those are the groups who raise certain animals for their milk and continue to drink milk into adulthood. And it's two separate genes that evolved independently in that case.

Other examples are adaptations to living at high altitude, the "alcohol flush reaction" in many Asians which is actually from a genetic enzyme deficiency. Those deficient in that enzyme are far more likely to develop esophageal cancer if they drink, and that deficiency also causes the flush reaction. Really quite cool in a way.

Light skin and blue eyes are two more examples of recent evolution. Also, the loss of wisdom teeth.

None of those are cultural. They are real examples of genetic evolution.