Lactase

Persistence

Eden McNeil, Liam Foley, Joshua Krueger, Justin Trimberger

 Lactase Persistence

Lactase Persistence (LP) is the continued activity of the

lactase enzyme in an adult mammal. Normally, the
expression of the lactase enzyme begins to decline after
infants are gradually introduced to an adult diet while the
mother’s milk is simultaneously removed. This leaves very
low levels of the lactase enzymes in adult mammals, with
the notable exception of humans.
How did LP begin in humans

LP has remained in humans up until now due to the

fact that Neolithic peoples started domesticating
dairying animals. This domestication caused a
broader diet which lead to more inclusion of lactose
in their meals. The constant inclusion of lactose
caused LP to be passed down in nearly all offspring
of these people.
 Lactase Persistence
● The expression of the lactase enzyme persists
throughout life in approximately one third of humans,
which leads to the phenotype known as LP
● The frequency of LP can range greatly between
different populations, varying from as low as 5% to as
high as almost 100%
○ The highest frequencies are found in Northern
Europe and West Africa
 Convergent Evolution

The process by which

different species, that
have little relation,
independently evolve to
have similar traits due to
Dolphin (Mammal) Ichthyosaur (reptile (extinct))
having to adapt to similar
environmental situations.

These four animals have

all developed streamlined
bodies for life underwater
despite being different
species and evolving in
separate environments
Penguin (bird) Flying Fish (fish)
How is LP related to Convergent Evolution?

LP itself is an example of convergent evolution.

Despite the fact that these human populations existed
in many differing locations across the world, most of
them acquired LP due to the domestication of dairying
animals that arose in each group.
Thank you