What genetic mutation caused blue eyes?

Scientists studying the genetics of eye color have identified that a mutation to a separate, nearby gene called HERC2 is the cause of blue eyes. This alteration switches off OCA2, the gene that determines the amount of the brown pigment melanin that we make. Today, around 20-40\% of European people have blue eyes.

How did blue eyes evolve in humans?

This gradient gave rise to the ‘vitamin D hypothesis’, which is the idea that light coloured skin, hair and eyes co-evolved as humans moved into latitudes where shorter days and summers meant they got less sunlight. His genes told them that while this man had dark skin and dark hair, he also had blue eyes.

Is blue eyes a genetic mutation caused by inbreeding?

However, the gene for blue eyes is recessive so you’ll need both of them to get blue eyes. This is important as certain congenital defects and genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are carried by recessive alleles. Inbreeding stacks the odds of being born with such conditions against you.

What eye Colour is a mutation?

Blue Eyes. Originally, all humans had brown eyes. Some 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, a genetic mutation affecting one gene turned off the ability to produce enough melanin to color eyes brown causing blue eyes. This mutation arose in the OCA2 gene, the main gene responsible for determining eye color.

What do GREY eyes mean?

Perhaps the rarest of eye colors, gray represents wisdom and gentleness. Gray-eyed people are sensitive, but possess a great deal of inner strength and think analytically. They can also change their mood to suit any situation at hand. + Cruelty-free eye makeup here.

Can 2 blue eyed parents produce brown eyes?

Eye color is not an example of a simple genetic trait, and blue eyes are not determined by a recessive allele at one gene. Instead, eye color is determined by variation at several different genes and the interactions between them, and this makes it possible for two blue-eyed parents to have brown-eyed children.

Why did humans evolve blue eyes?

There’s also the idea that blue eyes were advantageous because they perceive stationary objects better than moving things. This could have been an advantage to hunter gatherer women who needed to identify and collect plant foods — indeed blue eyes may even have evolved in women first. But Sturm has another idea.

What percentage of people have blue eyes?

In fact, only about 17 percent of the world’s population has blue eyes. In contrast, more than 50 percent of the global population is thought to have brown eyes. While blue eyes may be rare, they’re among the most common eye colors at birth.

What is the genetic origin of blue eyes?

Blue eyes likely originated from a genetic mutation which is now widespread. Scientific research continues to show evidence that people with blue eyes have descended from a common ancestor who lived about 10,000 years ago. Hans Eiberg, a Danish geneticist, has pioneered research in this area of study.

What are the benefits of blue eyes?

Because blue eye color is associated with western culture, and many cultures place emphasis on this culture, blue eyes are seen as a benefit and something sought after. In addition, they can occasionally be seen as a sign of good luck or good fortune for the child.