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Environment and secular changes in modern man
Ecology of Disease
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Human secular trends, including stature and body weight, are influenced by environmental factors, genetics, and migration. Analysis of these trends is crucial for understanding population health and development.
Area of Science:
- Human biology
- Anthropology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Secular trends in human traits primarily focus on morphological characteristics like stature and body weight.
- Intergenerational changes encompass alterations in development rate, trait magnitude, and developmental symptom sequences.
- Environmental conditions, genetic factors (survival), and population migration influence these trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate secular trends in human traits, particularly morphological ones.
- To analyze intergenerational changes in development rate, magnitude, and sequence.
- To explore the impact of environmental, genetic, and migration factors on human trait development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on secular trends in human traits.
- Analysis of morphological traits, primarily stature and body weight.
- Examination of physiological and psychomotor trait changes.
Main Results:
- Secular trends are predominantly driven by environmental changes, especially living conditions.
- Genetic determination and population migration also play roles in shaping trait frequencies.
- While some developed countries show continued interpopulational changes, others exhibit no further acceleration in sexual maturation.
- Studies from India and African countries indicate a regression in children's physical development.
Conclusions:
- Stature and body weight are vital health indicators with epidemiological significance.
- Understanding secular trends is essential for monitoring population health and development.
- Environmental factors are the primary drivers of secular changes in human traits.