In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Dr. Moalem describes traits of populations
originating from several different areas and how they were useful in
the locations they arose in, but were detrimental when individuals moved
to a different part of the globe (for example, diabetes aiding those in
freezing climates with limited sugar intake but being deadly untreated
today). And historically, whenever a group of people from one area moved
to another (for example the Spanish conquistadors sailing to South and
Central America), either the invaders or the invaded were often
devastated by disease.
Now that people can move across the globe much more easily and
often than in the past, is the human race becoming more or less fit for
their surroundings? Does the genetic mixing of races provide extra
benefits or liabilities for offspring? Or, does our intelligence and
innovation (or the evolution of our intellect) mean that we no longer
have to worry about being fit for our environment and instead can make
our environment fit for us?
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