Question

provide a neatly typed, spell - checked response to the following questions. completed response are due at the start of class on tuesday, october 14th. (15 points)

· why does lactose intolerance (the inability to digest lactose) increase with age in most mammals? (5pts.)
lactose intolerance increases with age in most animals because their bodies naturally stop producing the enzyme lactase after they are weaned from milk.

· what mammals (besides certain human groups) are the exception to this and why? (5pts.)
some domesticated animals like dogs and cats can be exceptions. this happens because due to selective breeding and diet - related adaptation. also, mammals with diets consistently including lactose - containing substances may have evolved to maintain lactase production.

· certain humans with specific ancestry remain lactose tolerant through adulthood. which human groups remain lactose tolerant and why? (5pts.)

Explanation:

Lactase - producing ability is related to diet and evolution. Some human groups like those with a long - history of dairy farming and consumption, such as certain European and some African pastoralist groups, have genetic mutations that allow them to continue producing lactase into adulthood. This is an evolutionary adaptation to a milk - rich diet.

Answer:

Certain European and some African pastoralist groups remain lactose tolerant. This is due to genetic mutations as an evolutionary adaptation to a diet rich in milk products.