The biogeographic origins of novelty-seeking traits

Evolution and Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. In Press • Elsevier • • Published In • Pages: In Press •
By Gören, Erkan

Abstract

The researcher looks for empirical evidence of natural selection as an explanation for worldwide variation in novelty-seeking behavior. Examining the relationship between variability in frequency of the DRD4 exon III 7-repeat allele variant (a variant theorized to stifle dopamine reception and thus encourage compensatory novelty-seeking behavior) and migratory distance from prehistoric humans' origin point in East Africa yields a positive correlation. After controlling for various biogeographic indicators, the researcher theorizes that presence of the DRD4 exon III 7-repeat variant provided an exploratory urge and evolutionary advantage to hunter-gatherers and pastoralists who migrated into unfamiliar environments.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Chang et al. (1996)Other researchersGenetic data from 36 populations
ALFREDSAGE, Ramankutty et al.Genetic data on various allele frequencies

Hypotheses (2)

HypothesisSupported
Migratory distance from East Africa will be positively associated with between-population DRD4 exon III expected heterozygosity (2).Supported
Fraction of land dedicated to pasture will be positively associated with between-population DRD4 exon III expected heterozygosity (7).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jack.dunnington