The Evolution of Lactose Tolerance — HHMI BioInteractive Video

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Published 2014-08-26
All adult mammals but humans are lactose intolerant. Follow human geneticist Spencer Wells, director of the Genographic Project of the National Geographic Society, as he tracks down the genetic and societal changes associated with the ability to digest lactose as adults—or lactose tolerance.

Explore how evolutionary biology and cultural changes led to the evolution of lactose tolerance in this educational video.

Free teaching resources supporting this short film can be found at www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/making-fittest-got-lac…

All Comments (21)
  • @Cricketsss
    so all the bio classes watching this huh?
  • @user-vf5kv5yg9x
    I wonder how the cats back feels carrying the whole video 😔🤚
  • @mrobesemode
    Hey, you in your biology class.... stop scrolling through the comments and watch the video
  • @magsmccat
    The fact that I’ve had to watch this for 2 separate bio classes
  • @someguy4505
    The world needs more people who are passionate about obtaining knowledge about these things. Intellectual rock stars :)
  • @kungfupanda5172
    I read some comments about their bio classes, lmao I came here because i'm lactose intolerant and i want to know more behind it.. ❤😂
  • @ToprakDevrim
    The video was a fascinating watch, especially the part where it showed that lactase persistence evolved differently across various populations. It's incredible to think that something as simple as drinking milk could lead to a genetic adaptation. The explanation of the genetic research was clear and accessible, making the science behind lactase persistence really come alive. It's also quite intriguing to see how cultural practices like dairy farming have shaped our genetic makeup, highlighting the close relationship between our environment and biological evolution. Another standout moment was learning about the archeological evidence that linked the use of dairy in ancient pottery. The idea that we can trace back the origins of milk consumption through residues in old pots is just mind-blowing. It makes you appreciate the detective work scientists do to piece together our history. This video really underscored the notion that human evolution is as much about our cultural developments as it is about our biology. The gene-culture co-evolution concept is a reminder of how our advancements and adaptations are deeply intertwined.
  • @Calyrekt
    Amazing video! I suspected that populations may be able to evolve the same trait through different variations of genetic mutation, but this example in lactase persistence shows that it is possible!
  • @Lucerozeus
    What a great video! Thank you!. This makes studying for finals much more interactive and productive.
  • @Ryanair671
    I'm so happy I have this mutation. Cause eating ice cream, desserts with cream, sweets with no consequence of bowl problems is awesome
  • @dansv1
    I think some fruits, berries and seeds “want” to be eaten to aid in their dispersal and germination.
  • @RDGR8
    who got the answers to the quiz guys
  • @davispaul7726
    Pov:your supposed to be watching the video for bio but your looking at the comments
  • @ddigwell
    Loved the information and great story telling at the same time.