That striking blue gaze? All in the genes. OCA2 and HERC2 affect iris pigmentation—but the genetic influence extends beyond just eye color to skin and hair as well. The 'low-light hunter' theory is rejected—studies show no improvement in night vision. Sexual selection is one leading hypothesis for the spread, though some researchers propose blue eyes may be a by-product of selection on skin pigmentation. The genetics are surprisingly specific.
European blue eye genetics: OCA2/HERC2 genes, sexual selection over low-light theory
Key facts
- European blue eyes are caused by OCA2 and HERC2 genes that only affect iris pigmentation
- The low-light vision hypothesis for blue eye evolution is rejected by most researchers
- Sexual selection is viewed as the main driving force for blue eye spread in Europe
- Blue eye mutation likely originated in a small population in the Caucasus region
- The mutation may have started with a single individual and spread through sexual selection
Sources
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked in video description
ljmu.ac.uk
Linked in video description
Behind Blue Eyes: A Look at the Genetic and Cultural ...collegeofphysicians.org
If a person has a non-functioning OCA2 gene, they will always have blue eyes, because the HERC2 gene can't make the broken OCA2 gene work.
Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly ...pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
by H Eiberg · 2008 · Cited by 528 — Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene ...
Fact 8: Inheritancegenomebc.ca
What is most amazing is that this one specific mutation in HERC2 is present in all people with blue eyes (with the exception of those with blue eyes as a result ...
Blue-eyed humans have a single, common ancestorsciencedaily.com
Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene ...
Do we know how the blue eye gene causes blue eyes?thetech.org
So the blue eye SNP causes the HERC2 enhancer to touch the OCA2 gene less often. This leads to less pigment being made and so blue eyes. For the ...
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