What does bio-cultural evolution refer to?

Bio-cultural evolution refers to the interrelationship between biological and cultural changes and how they influence one another over time. This concept emphasizes that human evolution is not solely the result of genetic or biological factors but is also significantly shaped by cultural practices and societal norms.

For instance, nutritional habits that arise from cultural choices can affect biological health, while biological changes can lead to new cultural adaptations. An example is lactose tolerance in certain human populations, which developed in response to the cultural practice of dairy farming.

This framework recognizes that human development is a product of complex interactions between our biological capacities and cultural environments, highlighting why the co-evolution of biology and culture is a central tenet of this concept.