How geography influences complex cognitive ability

Evolutionary explanations for geography's influence on complex cognitive ability (CCA) imply
virtually immutable components of between-nation IQ differences. Their weight vis-à-vis the
weight of situational components was evaluated through an analysis of a 194-country data set.
Additive effects of absolute latitude (AL) and longitudinal distance from Homo sapiens' cradle
(LDC) explain Northeastern Asian higher, Sub-Saharan African lower CCAs. AL exerts cognitive
influence directly and through socioeconomic development and evolutionary genetics whereas
LDC does through evolutionary genetics; however, this occurs differently in Africa-Near East-
Europe and elsewhere. The findings are understood assuming supremacy of contemporary UVB
radiation → hormonal and climatic → socioeconomic mediators of the AL–CCA linkage whose
effects are moderated by heterogeneous genetic and cultural adaptations to radiation and climate.
Geography's cognitive effects are dynamic and public-policy actions may modify them.
Source: Intelligence
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/554348