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The human body is a kind of chronicle of biological evolution. An international group of scientists recently presented a unique study on changes in the physical parameters of the population, analyzing data on 135 people from 000 countries around the world.
The most interesting discovery concerns the rates of physical development of men and women. It turned out that men “grow” almost twice as fast as women. This is due to a complex of biological and social factors.
Scientists have established a direct relationship between physical changes and living conditions. Improvements in nutrition, medicine, and the general standard of living have created a unique environment for biological adaptation. In particular, the average annual growth rate is 0,3-0,5 cm for women and 0,6-0,9 cm for men.
Evolutionary mechanisms have deeper roots. Historically, the physical advantage of men was important for survival - taller and more muscular individuals had a better chance of success in hunting and competition. Today, such biological priorities have transformed, but genetic memory continues to influence development.
However, rapid physical development also comes with certain risks. Taller men are more likely to face health problems: an increased risk of cancer, higher energy expenditure, and a predisposition to cardiovascular problems.
The study showed a close relationship between physical development and the Human Development Index. The better the living conditions in a country – education, medicine, economy – the more pronounced the changes in the population's physique.
Interestingly, scientists have identified over 500 genes associated with structural changes in the body. Most of these genes are responsible for synaptic transmission and the formation of neural connections, indicating complex adaptation processes.
Each new generation does not simply change - it adapts to new conditions of existence. Science continues to explore the mechanisms of human evolution, revealing increasingly complex relationships between biology, environment and social factors.
The study, published in the journal Biology Letters.
