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Evolutionary Mismatch

Meaning

Evolutionary Mismatch is a concept in evolutionary medicine describing the disparity between the environment in which an organism evolved and the novel environment it currently inhabits, resulting in maladaptive traits and chronic diseases. For humans, this refers to the profound conflict between our Paleolithic genome, which is adapted for a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and the modern industrial environment characterized by chronic stress, sedentary behavior, processed foods, and constant artificial light exposure. This mismatch creates a state of chronic physiological stress that drives hormonal dysregulation and is considered a root cause of many modern chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome and autoimmune conditions. Addressing this core incompatibility is fundamental to a longevity-focused health strategy.