Climate Changed the Size of Our Bodies and, To Some Extent, Our Brains


This shows skulls and bonesA new study reveals the impact climate played in the evolution of the human brain and body. Studying 300 fossils from the genus Homo found across the globe, researchers found those who lived in colder climates had larger body frames. Larger bodies provided a buffer from colder temperatures. Brain size tended to be larger in those who lived in environments with less vegetation and survived by hunting large animals, a task that involved higher cognitive function.