Potato Domestication Reshaped DNA of Indigenous Andeans
A study in Nature Communications reveals that Indigenous Andeans in Peru have the highest known copies of the AMY1 gene, which aids starch digestion. This genetic adaptation emerged around the same time potatoes were domesticated 6,000–10,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed genomic data from over 3,700 individuals across 85 populations, including 81 Quechua-speaking Peruvians. The Quechua speakers averaged ten AMY1 copies, two to four more than other groups. Having ten or more copies gave a 1.24% survival advantage per generation. The findings illustrate how culture shapes biology, with diet driving genetic evolution.
Key facts
- Potatoes domesticated 6,000–10,000 years ago in the Andes.
- Indigenous Andeans have highest known AMY1 gene copies.
- AMY1 helps digest starch; extra copies improve starch digestion.
- Study analyzed 3,700+ individuals from 85 populations.
- Quechua speakers averaged ten AMY1 copies.
- Genetic advantage: 1.24% survival/reproductive edge per generation.
- Adaptation emerged around time of potato domestication.
- Findings published in Nature Communications.
Entities
Institutions
- University at Buffalo
- Nature Communications
- Reuters
- BBC News
- Smithsonian magazine
- University of Warwick
Locations
- Andes Mountains
- Peru
- South America
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- Americas
- Inca Empire
- France
- United States
- Longmont
- Colorado