Evidence of contemporary polygenic selection on the Big G of national cognitive ability: A cross-cultural sociogenetic analysis

• Published in: Personality and individual differences 2016-11, Vol.102, p.90-97
• Main Authors: Woodley of Menie, Michael A., Piffer, Davide, Peñaherrera, Mateo A., Rindermann, Heiner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Big G; Jensen effect; Metagene; Polygenic selection
• ISSN: 0191-8869; 1873-3549
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.06.054

Country-level total fertility rates (TFR) and cognitive ability are negatively correlated, suggesting the existence of a selection pressure that might be reducing global G. Also, the cross-population frequencies of several SNPs have been found to predict cognitive ability between countries. This study applies a cross-cultural sociogenetic approach to explore the role of latent factors among cognitive ability measures and these SNPs in moderating the associations among their indicators and TFR. Using a G factor constructed from five measures of cognitive ability, positive moderation is found on the TFR*ability relationship (ρ=0.251N=60.6 countries). Using a metagene common factor among eight SNPs, positive moderation is also found on the TFR*SNP relationship (ρ=0.816, N=18 countries). An inference of polygenic selection for lower G is supported by the findings of two multivector co-moderation analyses. When controlled for one another, Human Development Index and metagene frequency both independently predicted TFR (β=−0.339, and −0.678 respectively, N=18 countries). This indicates a joint impact of intelligent fertility control and life history slowing on the distribution of TFR values. Based on these results, polygenic selection might be reducing heritable G globally by −0.253 points per decade, highlighting the importance of the Flynn effect as a contributor to global development. •National fertility and country-level general intelligence (G) negatively correlate.•The frequencies of 8 SNPs that predict IQ also negatively correlate with fertility.•Both findings are associated with Jensen effects.•The SNP metagene negatively predicts fertility, when controlled for HDI.•Global G should decline due to selection by −0.253 points per decade.