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The Biogeographic Origins of Novelty-Seeking Traits

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  • Erkan Gören

    (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics)

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the biogeographic determinants of the human DRD4 exon III locus, a particular gene variant associated with the human personality trait of novelty-seeking behavior. Providing a novel compilation of worldwide DRD4 exon III allele frequencies in a large sample of indigenous populations around the world, this study employs population-specific biogeographic characteristics using hig h-resolution geospatial data. The estimates suggest that migratory distance from East Africa naturally selects for specific novelty-seeking traits, even controlling for a broad range of biogeographic determinants. Notably, land suitability for pastoral nomadism is significantly related to DRD4 exon III diversity. This result provides further credence to the general observation that novelty-seeking traits are quite common in nomadic populations, explaining why some societies failed to settle and to develop centralized states.

Suggested Citation

  • Erkan Gören, 2014. "The Biogeographic Origins of Novelty-Seeking Traits," Working Papers V-366-14, University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, revised May 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:old:dpaper:366
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Novelty-Seeking Behavior; Entrepreneurial Traits; Biogeography; Out of Africa Hypothesis; Gene-Culture Co-Evolution; Natural Selection;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N50 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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