A new study shows that our DNA has changed a lot through natural selection. This study comes from a team at Harvard University. They looked at how our genes have evolved over time.
Natural selection is how some traits help organisms survive and have babies. Earlier, many scientists thought our DNA stopped changing after we changed from hunting to farming. They found only 21 parts of DNA affected in Europeans over 10,000 years.
Now, this new study found 479 genetic changes that have been strongly selected. These include genes linked to red hair and pale skin. The research helps us understand human evolution.
The study gathered DNA from nearly 16,000 people over the last 10,000 years. Researchers used a new method to find important gene changes. They studied how some genes helped survival. For example, genes linked to pale skin might help absorb more vitamin D from sunlight.
This research is important, but scientists remind us to be careful when making conclusions. They hope to use these methods to learn more about our genes and disease risks in different parts of the world.
