Civilization Predicts Later Intelligence Genes

Using ancient European genomes and archaeological dating, the author finds that being in a more advanced archaeological setting (e.g., farming, Bronze Age) predicts higher later polygenic scores for fluid intelligence and educational attainment — stronger after adjusting for genetic relatedness — suggesting culture-first selection. The reverse (pre‑existing higher genetic scores causing earlier adoption) is less clearly supported once temporal precedence and relatedness are controlled, though small longitudinal samples leave room for mixed causality. — If cultural change tends to precede and shape genetic shifts associated with cognition, this reframes policy debates about innate ability, development, and how institutions and environments shape long‑run human capacities.