Red hair gene favoured by natural selection over last 10,000 years, study finds

"The study revealed that the gene for red hair has been actively selected for more than 10,000 years, indicating that biological evolution has not plateaued as previously thought."

"Scientists identified 479 genetic variants that appear to have been favored by natural selection, including genes linked to red hair, fair skin, and susceptibility to coeliac disease."

"The research suggests that having red hair may have conferred survival benefits in northern climates, as individuals with red hair and fair skin can produce vitamin D more efficiently."

"The latest study used an unprecedented number of ancient DNA samples and sophisticated computational techniques, revealing that evolutionary selection has driven the spread or decline of hundreds of genes in West Eurasia."

A genetics study shows that the red hair gene has been favored by natural selection in Europe for over 10,000 years. The research analyzed DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient remains and over 6,000 living individuals, revealing that biological evolution continues. The study identified 479 genetic variants favored by natural selection, including those linked to red hair, fair skin, and various health traits. The findings suggest that evolutionary selection has accelerated since the transition from hunter-gatherer societies.

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