I dont know why would-be eugenicists get so cranky when I suggest we start with people who cannot naturally synthesize vitamin C [1]. Its as though they think traits they themselves have cannot count as disabilities. Next suggestion: theres a common mutation (originally found in the west of Eurasia but it spread) that causes increased rates of skin cancer. We could get rid of that, save billions I am sure. 1: Not just humans: Among the animals that have lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C are simians and tarsiers, which together make up one of two major primate suborders, Haplorrhini. This group includes humans. The other more primitive primates (Strepsirrhini) have the ability to make vitamin C. Synthesis does not occur in a number of species (perhaps all species) in the small rodent family Caviidae that includes guinea pigs and capybaras, but occurs in other rodents (rats and mice do not need vitamin C in their diet, for example). A number of species of passerine birds also do not synthesize, but not all of them, and those that do not are not clearly related; there is a theory that the ability was lost separately a number of times in birds.[...] In particular, the ability to synthesize vitamin C is presumed to have been lost and then later re-acquired in at least two cases. Its not impossible there are people who dont need vitamin C in their diet. I dont expect anyone checks. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C#Biosynthesis
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:16:42 +0000
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