Mankind
Quarterly, Vol. 44, No. 2 (Winter 2003)
pp.
185-210
(Full Text,
pdf)
IQ Population
Genetics: It's not as Simple as You Think.
Gerhard Meisenberg
The question of cognitive differences
between human populations is one of the most contentious
issues in the study of human diversity. After reviewing
the worldwide patterns of cognitive test performance,
this article evaluates alternative causal hypotheses
and evolutionary mechanisms. Racial affiliation and
latitude correlate with IQ test performance, as does
economic development. Religion, a history of colonialism,
and a history of Communist rule are important in some
cases. This article proposes mechanisms of gene-culture
co-evolution that can explain the worldwide patterns.
The genetic component of these mechanisms is likely
to become testable with further advances in molecular
genetics.
