Scientists explain the short stature of the pygmies

French researchers conducted a study to determine why African pygmies differ with stature. It was found that in 1st 3 months of life growth of adherents of this nation dramatically slows and comes to adolescence to normal.

Scientists from the National center for scientific research of France asked the question of whether and how the growth of adult African pygmy does not exceed 144 to 150 cm To this end, the group has conducted a study, which was led by Fernando Ramirez Rozzi.

For 8 years scientists have monitored the development and fertility of a population of pygmies in Cameroon, reports National Geographic. As a result, the researchers concluded that their low growth genetic feature, and not an effect of malnutrition, as previously assumed. As told to researchers, the process was significantly complicated by the fact that many of the followers of the people lead a nomadic lifestyle. Besides all this, most of the pygmies could not name their own age, in consequence of which it was difficult to correlate with the growth curve.

Research work has demonstrated that infants of the tribe tank hunters are born with the same body length and weight as that of European children, but after 3 months and their physical development is sharply constrained, then their growth will never reach the standards. This conclusion contradicts a previously held doctrine that the pygmy slow growth happens during puberty.

Other species of pygmies living in the Western part of the Equatorial forests of Central Africa, low rise occurs immediately after birth. The difference in the process of development of these 2 groups suggests that they evolved from different ancestors, but similar conditions of life did the length of their bodies is approximately the same.

Researchers have suggested that low growth adherents of this people is the result of adaptation to life in the rainforest. So, the small size of the body is better able to regulate its temperature, has a greater flexibility that makes it easier to move around in dense vegetation. Also, shorter people need less food, and according to one theory, their reproductive period starts at a younger age.

sections: Society, World News