Genes and stature

Previous studies have shown stature is highly correlated with local environment and often has a genetic basis. A recent study of a hunter-gatherer pygmy population in Uganda has reported that the pygmy phenotype, small human body size, is associated with genomic regions that have previously been associated with stature variations. SNP comparisons of this population with other west African populations reinforced that the pygmy phenotype shows convergent evolution within Africa and is a result of a positive selection to better adapt to the demands of the environment.