Reacción a "A genetic variant has been discovered that increased height and accelerated metabolism in modern humans"

This sophisticated study reveals several aspects of the complexity of life and evolutionary processes. It shows how a mutation can simultaneously influence two of the most characteristic features of anatomically modern humans: their tall stature and high metabolic rate, compared to the closest primate species.

Again, this reminds us that we should not look for simple adaptive explanations to understand the evolution of phenotype (i.e., physical, physiological, and behavioral traits). In addition, the study shows that genetic modifications affecting stature and metabolic activity interact directly with environmental influences, in particular with increased meat consumption.

Thus, the same genetic mutation can simultaneously affect different phenotypic traits, all conditioned by environmental influences. Fantastic!