Evolution: Humans are Evolving to be Smarter and Taller

Evolution doesn't stop for any creature-not even humans. Now, scientists have found that humans have evolved to be smarter and taller than their predecessors.

In this latest study, the researchers analyzed health and genetic information from more than 100 studies carried out around the world. These included details on more than 350,000 people from urban and rural communities. The scientists examined individuals' entire genetic makeup, pinpointing instances in which people had inherited identical copies of genes from both their mother and their father-and indicator that their ancestors were related.

The researchers found that greater genetic diversity is actually linked to increased height. Not only that, but greater genetic diversity is also associated with better cognitive skills, as well as higher levels of education.

With that said, genetic diversity didn't have an effect on factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, which impact a person's chances of developing heart disease, diabetes and other complex conditions.

So what does this mean? Close family ties makes a person more likely to be shorter and think less quickly. Not only that, but the study suggests that over time, evolution is favoring people with increased stature and sharper thinking skills, but doesn't impact their propensity for developing a serious illness.

"Our research answers questions first posed by Darwin as to the benefits of genetic diversity," said Peter Joshi, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Our next step will be to hone in on the specific parts of the genome that most benefit  from diversity."

The findings are published in the journal Nature.

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