People are getting… less intelligent

Human intelligence quotient (IQ) has declined significantly since the Victorian era (1837-1901), the reign named after the British Queen Alexandrina Victoria, according to new research by scientists at the University of Brussels (Belgium). The main reason is that the genes that determine intelligence have gradually decreased.

Human intelligence is declining?

Researchers collected from gene banks the remains of 99 people who lived in Central and Eastern Europe. The oldest died in 2,000 BC, the most recent in the 7th century AD.

Comparing them with 503 modern Europeans, the researchers found that the genes that determine intelligence gradually decreased over time. This result was confirmed in another study of the genes of 66 ancient people who lived 3,200 years ago.

According to researchers, humans have become smarter over the past few millennia as they have had to cope with harsh living conditions both natural and man-made to survive. However, intelligence began to decline from the 19th century - the Victorian period, when life became easier, people had easier access to medicine and nutrition.

Another reason, according to experts, is that intelligent and highly educated people are increasingly choosing to have fewer children. This leads to the majority of the next generation being born to people who are less intelligent and educated.

According to PLO