Researchers have observed that in villages in Russian Georgia where people have a low-calorie diet but are not malnourished,the average life expectancy is longer.Less food intake would result in fewer free radicals from metabolism,compared to societies where individuals ate more than they required.The text explains that genes for antioxidant enzymes that destroy free radicals would be inherited.How could we test,in a practical manner,whether this longevity was genetic or a matter of chosen diet? A)Continue keeping records of villagers versus a control population with a normal diet until the numbers are statistically significant. B)Track the fate of villagers who move away to more affluent communities where people eat a better diet,or supplement the diet of a portion of the villagers over time. C)Conduct test-crosses to determine the life span of F₁ and F₂ generations. D)Examine a cell sample for developmental or homeotic genes. E)Take DNA samples from people and test for similarity of genes.

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By tracking the fate of villagers who move away to more affluent communities where people eat a better diet, or supplementing the diet of a portion of the villagers over time, researchers can better understand if the longevity observed is due to genetics or the chosen low-calorie diet. If individuals who move away to a different diet still have a longer life expectancy compared to the control population, it is more likely that genetics play a role in their longevity. Similarly, supplementing the diet of a portion of the villagers over time can help researchers understand if the diet alone is responsible for their longer life expectancy. These types of studies would provide more direct evidence on the potential role of genetics in the observed longevity.

Researchers Have Observed That in Villages in Russian Georgia Where