Tag: Genetic diversity

While lactose intolerance is the global default for adult humans, many East African populations, especially pastoralist communities, exhibit high rates of lactase persistence. This ability to digest milk into adulthood is a result of unique genetic mutations that evolved independently from those found in European populations. The answer to "Are East Africans lactose tolerant?" is not a simple yes or no, but a nuanced story shaped by thousands of years of evolution and cultural practices.

According to The Livestock Conservancy, over 30 traditional poultry breeds are on the endangered list, making the preservation of heritage livestock more crucial than ever. This mission is directly tied to the increasingly popular heirloom eggs found in specialty stores and farmers' markets across the nation.

While it might seem paradoxical, the immense diversity of life is built from a relatively small set of common molecular building blocks, or monomers. A fascinating aspect of this biological phenomenon is how carbs and other biomolecules vary even though their monomers are the same, a process made possible by structural intricacies beyond mere composition.

Since 1900, an estimated 75% of global plant genetic diversity has been lost, a phenomenon linked to modern agricultural practices that prioritize a limited number of high-yielding varieties, including many hybrids. While hybrids offer undeniable benefits, this focus on uniformity comes with a range of significant downsides for consumers, farmers, and the environment alike.