Tag: Human height

Over the last 10,000 years, the average human body size has measurably decreased compared to our prehistoric hunter-gatherer ancestors. The question, **how did humans become small?**, requires looking beyond a single cause, revealing a fascinating interplay of environmental shifts, dietary changes, and genetic adaptations that shaped human stature over millennia.

Height is primarily determined by genetics, accounting for 60-80% of an individual's final stature. This biological blueprint, along with key developmental milestones, answers the question: Can you still grow after you're 18?

With a global population in the billions, it is estimated that fewer than 3,000 individuals are over 7 feet tall, making this a truly exceptional physical trait. The reasons behind the scarcity of this extreme height are a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and the intense biological demands placed on the human body.