The two previous posts were: 1) Genetic differences between Inuit and Scandinavian men in which researchers found that Swedish men have higher testosterone levels and greater androgen (male hormone) receptor activity than Greenland Inuit men; and 2) Distribution of DRD4 gene types varies across the globe in which researchers found different frequencies of a gene related to novelty seeking varies between different human populations.
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In 2005, researchers from the University of Utah proposed that:
[T]he unusual pattern of genetic diseases seen among Jews of central or northern European origin, or Ashkenazim, is the result of natural selection for enhanced intellectual ability....That "hidden value", the Utah researchers suggested, is increased intelligence that is reflected in the high, average Ashkenazi Jewish IQ which is estimated to be 7-12 points above the average European score of 100.
He [Dr. Henry Harpending] and two colleagues at the University of Utah, Gregory Cochran and Jason Hardy, see the pattern of genetic disease among the Ashkenazi Jewish population as reminiscent of blood disorders like sickle cell anemia that occur in populations exposed to malaria, a disease that is only 5,000 years old.
In both cases, the Utah researchers argue, evolution has had to counter a sudden threat by favoring any mutation that protected against it, whatever the side effects. Ashkenazic diseases like Tay-Sachs, they say, are a side effect of genes that promote intelligence.
The explanation that the Ashkenazic disease genes must have some hidden value has long been accepted by other researchers, but no one could find a convincing infectious disease or other threat to which the Ashkenazic genetic ailments might confer protection.... [link]
IQ is substantially heritable -- and IQ varies considerably between human populations.
More on Ashkenazi Jewish IQ: Natural History of Ashkenazi Intelligence and On The Evolution Of Ashkenazi Jewish Intelligence and Overclocking.
5 comments:
You have an interesting and intelligent mind HB, it's easy to see why David chose to be associated with you.
Your posts are very thoughtful and well researched. If you haven't visited his site yet, may I suggest Lawrence Auster's AM Nation? He's preoccupied by the presidential race right now, but you may find his side bar articles on the subject of nationalism, race, immigration and multiculturalism very interesting - they seem to coincide with your own interests, way of thinking and search for answers to one of the big questions of the day for many countries.
www.amnation.com
** a small suggestion, when you post at ATW, put a cross post link at the end of your posts taking people directly to your blog - makes it easy for them to read all of your articles with a simple click.
Best to you.
Lantana: ...may I suggest Lawrence Auster's AM Nation....
Thanks much, Lantana!
Ashkanazi jews are not jews at all. They are descendants of the Khazar tribe from eastern Europe who converted to judaism around 700ad. They spread all over Europe. Most North African jews were converts too. There are very few jews who are descended from the original Hebrews who lived in harmony with the Arabs in palestine for thousands of years.
Most western jews and the majority of jews in Israel are not jews at all!
Arthur Koestler was working on a book about this controversial and hidden history of the "jews" when he and his wife mysteriously died.
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/13trindx.htm
anonymous, DNA analysis shows Ashkenazi jews to be related to other Semitic peoples like Arabs, not Khazars.
Lawrence Auster's site might not be a good place to discuss genetics and evolution. I had a running argument with him on the subject a while back. I provide links here.
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