THE EVOLUTION OF STATURE IN HUMANS

There is significant evidence that a positive secular trend, apparentl y due to improved socioeconomic conditions, has led to taller stature today compared with 150-200 years ago. However, study of fossil remain s of our hominid ancestors demonstrates the stature of individuals liv ing during the last million years reached the range of heights seen to day. Furthermore, data from recent prehistory and the last 2,000 years also reveal adult height in many groups to be equal to modem humans o f the same region. Optimal conditions for growth appear to predate the advent of modem civilization and public health measures.