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Humanity's Genetic Diversity on the Decline

jd writes "In a study covering five different periods of history, from 300 AD to the present day, and geographically spread across much of Europe, scientists have extracted the mitochondrial DNA from a sizable number of individuals in an effort to examine changes in diversity. The results, published in the Royal Society journal is intriguing to say the least. 1700 years ago, three out of every four individuals belonged to a different haplotype. In modern Europe, the number is only one in three. The researchers blame a combination of plague, selection of dominant lineages and culturally-inflicted distortions. The researchers say more work needs to be done, but are unclear if this involves archaeology or experiments involving skewing the data in the local female population."

5 of 285 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Is this news? by cayenne8 · · Score: 0, Troll
    "No, it isn't. For one thing, diversity is itself a survival trait in a population -- "

    Don't tell that to the "Political Correct" crowd. According to them, diversity is the panacea to all our problems.

    :-)

    --
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
  2. Re:Is this news? by Afrosheen · · Score: 0, Troll

    I agree with your point on the genetically disadvantaged now surviving well beyond any lifetime they might have had a few centuries ago. In essence, the gene pool is getting 'dirtier' and I can envision a future where more than half the world's population is crippled and deformed in some way. Maybe it will lead to a new genotype...or a world war with the handicapped pitted against the fit.

  3. Re:Is this news? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 0, Troll

    then you've shown that you're biased against that idea
    I'm also biased against Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, Compassionate Conservatism, and leprechauns. There is nothing wrong with being biased against stupid.

    We don't know all the details of the Big Bang and of biogenesis. We do know that every scientific theory in the history of the world which involved imagining some sort of magical creature has turned out to be false. That's a pretty substantial track record to justify bias against magical nonexistent creatures.
    --
    A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  4. Re:Is this news? by E++99 · · Score: 0, Troll

    What??? A high school principle who wouldn't obey the dictates of the Supreme Court? BURN HIM! ALL MUST OBEY!!!

  5. Re:Is this news? by Darby · · Score: 0, Troll


    Ooo, good guess, but it turns out I'm not any kind of moron at all, but thanks for asking.


    So you say this and then directly contradict yourself in your next sentence..


    But for the record, I'd rather have a high school principle shoving his beliefs on me than the Supreme Court shoving their beliefs on me, as I can always find a new high school principle.


    Except that the principle is the only one shoving beliefs. The SC in this case is merely saying "look you anti American cunt, no shoving your bullshit beliefs on decent people".

    Yet you think that preventing an asshole from shoving their beliefs on others is a form of oppression which is what I asked.
    So, yes, you have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are *exactly* the type of moron that I guessed that you were.

    You could have just said "yes" and it would have saved time and you'd look a little less stupid right now.