Selection against variants in the genome associated with educational attainment
Augustine Kong1,2, Michael L Frigge3, Gudmar Thorleifsson3
1deCODE genetics/Amgen Inc., Reykjavik 101, Iceland; kong@decode.is kari.stefansson@decode.is.
Summary
Genetics influence education levels, which in turn affect reproductive history. This study reveals that genetic predisposition for higher educational attainment is linked to delayed reproduction and fewer children, impacting the gene pool over time.
Area of Science:
- Human Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Sociogenomics
Background:
- Genetic factors significantly influence educational attainment.
- Educational attainment has been linked to reproductive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of genetic predisposition for educational attainment on reproductive history in Iceland.
- To assess the consequent effects on the Icelandic gene pool over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a polygenic score for educational attainment (POLY_EDU) derived from prior genetic studies.
- Analyzed reproductive history data from 109,120 Icelanders.
- Examined trends in POLY_EDU across generations born between 1910 and 1990.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between POLY_EDU and delayed reproduction (P < 10^-100) and fewer offspring.
- The effect of POLY_EDU on reproductive traits was more pronounced in women.
- The average POLY_EDU in Iceland has declined by approximately 0.010 standard units per decade since 1910.
- The overall genetic component influencing educational attainment may be declining at a rate two to three times faster than indicated by POLY_EDU alone.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors associated with higher educational attainment are linked to reduced reproductive success.
- This genetic selection is causing a measurable decline in the frequency of educational attainment-related genes in the Icelandic population.
- The findings have implications for understanding evolutionary trajectories in response to societal changes.
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