The Claim
Polygenic scores for height derived from modern European and East Asian populations explain up to 10% of the variation in femur length among ancient western Eurasians, demonstrating that genetic predictors of stature remain partially predictive across thousands of years.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Genetic markers used to predict height in modern Europeans and East Asians can account for up to 10% of differences in femur length among ancient western Eurasian populations, indicating that these genetic predictors retain some predictive power over thousands of years.
See the scientific wording
Polygenic scores for height derived from modern European and East Asian populations explain up to 10% of variation in femur length among ancient western Eurasians, demonstrating that genetic predictors of stature remain partially predictive across thousands of years.
Certain genes passed down from parents affect how bones grow during childhood, especially the thigh bone. These genes control how fast and how long bones grow before adulthood. Even thousands of years ago, people with these same genes had longer thigh bones, which is why modern genetic tests can still predict some of the differences in height among ancient people.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Effects of ancestry, agriculture, and lactase persistence on the stature of prehistoric Europeans
Scientists used modern genetic clues about height to guess how tall ancient people were, and they were right about 10% of the time—even though those people lived thousands of years ago. So, our genes for height haven’t changed enough to make those clues useless.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.