Lactase Persistence and Human Nutrition

What proportion of adult humans worldwide can digest lactose?

• All adult humans

• Approximately 1/3

• Approximately 2/3

• Very few, less than 1/10

What is the function of the enzyme lactase in the human body?

• To produce milk in mammals

• To break down lactose into digestible sugars

• To synthesize lactose from other sugars

• To prevent milk digestion

What is the term for the ability of adult humans to produce lactase after infancy?

• Lactose intolerance

• Genetic adaptation

• Lactase persistence

• Milk digestion syndrome

In pastoralist cultures, why did adults with lactase persistence have a selective advantage?

• They were able to consume milk, providing a nutritional benefit

• They were immune to common diseases

• They could run faster than others

• They had stronger bones