- Edinburgh University study claims ‘significant correlation’ between factors
- 70 per cent of link caused by genetics, rest by environmental factors, it says
- Millions of Britons fall under 5’3? average for women and 5’9? for men
By
Eleanor Harding
16:51 EST, 2 March 2014
|
08:19 EST, 3 March 2014
The study from Edinburgh University claims the link between height and intelligence is 70 per cent genetic
They are already cursed with the rather unflattering label of ‘vertically challenged’.
Now experts say short people may also be intellectually challenged too – or at least in comparison to their taller counterparts.
A new study has found a link between IQ and height, suggesting that those who are shorter are on average more likely to be less intelligent.
Academics identified genes that influence both height and IQ, and said there was a ‘significant genetic correlation’ between the two factors.
The research, which covered more than 6,800 unrelated people, is the first to analyse DNA markers in such a way.
Riccardo Marioni, from Edinburgh University’s Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, said the link was small but important.
He said: ‘We tested whether DNA-based genetic similarities among people related to their similarities in height and intelligence.
‘Previous studies have used twin or family data to examine similarities between height and intelligence, whereas ours was the first to examine this using actual DNA markers in unrelated people.
‘What we found was a small association between height and intelligence such that people who are taller tend to be smarter.’
The claim is likely to be disputed by millions in Britain who fall short of the average height, 5ft 3in for women and 5ft 9in for men.
One is certain to be John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, who at 5ft 5ins is dwarfed by his 5ft 11in wife, Sally.
But among those who appear to prove the theory is David Cameron, who is 6ft 1in is blessed with both height and intelligence.
Others include actress Kate Beckinsale, who studied French and Russian literature at Oxford and is fluent in both languages.
Stephen Fry, the host of QI, the puzzle-based television show, is 6ft 5in.
Marioni conducted his study in partnership with academics from Aberdeen University and University College London.
They based their findings on data compiled from thousands of people recruited for the Scottish Family Health Study between 2006 and 2011.
IQ was measured by tests which examined reaction times, powers of recall and linguistic ability.
In a paper submitted to Behavior Genetics journal, the team explained that about 70 per cent of the link can be explained by genetics and the rest by environmental influences.
They added: ‘We found a moderate and statistically significant genetic correlation between height and general intelligence.’
Prove the theory? QI presenter Stephen Fry (left) is 6’5?, and Prime Minister David Cameron (right) is 6’1?
It is hoped that revealing the genetic correlation between height and IQ could help predict a person’s health problems, the Sunday Times reported.
Previous studies have linked short stature to heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
Higher IQ has been linked to longevity and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and suicide.
Previous studies have also claimed that short-man syndrome, known as the Napoleon complex, does exist.
Researchers at Oxford University recently found that feeling smaller makes people paranoid, distrustful and scared of others.
In fact, men of about 5ft 4in have been shown to be 50 per cent more likely to be jealous and distrustful of their partners than those measuring 6ft 6in.
Studies have also claimed smaller people are more likely than taller ones to have poor mental health.
or comment on this article
-
‘I want to stay with my mummy!’ Newborn refuses to let go
-
Watch him age: Man takes pic each day for 25 years
-
Meerkat laughs uncontrollably when its tummy is tickled
-
Horror moment man is floored by single, fatal punch
-
Best Kiss Cam ever? Man’s brilliant response to awkward…
-
Scenes of panic in aftermath of stabbings at Chinese train…
-
Chinese TV report on knife attack that left 28 dead
-
Undercover footage: BUAV investigation into lab testing on…
-
US warns Russia: Stay out of the Ukraine
-
The moment armed men storm Crimea government building
-
Chinese schoolgirl plays Super Mario theme tune on ancient…
-
Survivors of China train station stabbing attack speak out
-
‘She thought I was being a dumb older brother’: Man behind…
-
Pictured: The 13-year-old boy mauled to death by 115-pound…
-
Europe’s peace at risk: World leaders say Russian invasion…
-
Popular pharmacy student, 20, killed in drive-by shooting…
-
Widower of American photographer killed in Turkey finds love…
-
Prince William and Kate enjoy night off from holding the…
-
The world’s best goody bag: Academy Awards nominees to take…
-
Prince George’s first royal tour! Eight-month-old heir to…
-
The truth about Birdman of Alcatraz’s 52 YEARS in federal…
-
Bodies of more than one thousand British soldiers and…
-
My ten days of madness, by teacher who seduced pupil of 16:…
-
‘Putin is playing chess, we’re playing MARBLES’: Weak Obama…
Comments (559)
what you think
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
The comments below have not been moderated.
Frank,
North Shields, United Kingdom,
moments ago
Seems like there are intellectually challenged academics in Edinburgh.
NW3 Girl,
London, United Kingdom,
15 minutes ago
Are all of the people who are discrediting the validity of this article of shorter stature?
Simon123,
Devon, United Kingdom,
21 minutes ago
Who pays for this crap research? I am 5? 1? and have three degrees including a Masters Degree (with distinction). These researchers are clearly the thickies.
Cornish Rebel,
Free Republic of Kernow., United Kingdom,
26 minutes ago
Stop picking on short people….pantomines would not be the same without them.
PD,
lancaster,
27 minutes ago
Next year he will produce a paper suggesting that people with shorter legs proportionate to their body size, tend to end up shorter in total. you can have that one on me, and save yourself a year of worry, wondering what to present next.
PD,
lancaster,
28 minutes ago
Next year he will produce a paper suggesting that people with shorter legs proportionate to their body size, tend to end up shorter in total. you can have that one on me, and save yourself a year of worry, wondering what to present next.
John Smith,
West Midlands,
32 minutes ago
Not True by any stretch.
lolo,
Victoria, Seychelles,
41 minutes ago
Then how come Master Yoda is so wise in the force!! Scientist explain that!!!
boss21,
london, United Kingdom,
47 minutes ago
Does height even matter
BG,
London, UK,
47 minutes ago
Rubbish!
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Find out now