The phrase "amylase gene" refers to a specific gene in our bodies that provides instructions for producing amylase, an enzyme that helps break down starches into sugars during digestion. Full definition
Evidence for multiple copies of the salivary amylase gene in high starch eating Asians, and a gene variant that is important for breaking down fats in plant foods in Europeans and Middle Easterners may reflect an adaption to agriculture (Hancock et al, 2010). (blog.realfood-realhealth.com)
Both the hunter - gatherers as well as the early farmers displayed high copy numbers of amylase genes in their genomes, suggesting that both populations had already adapted to a starch - rich diet. (sciencedaily.com)
The exact date when salivary amylase genes multiplied remains uncertain, but genetic evidence suggests it was at some point in the last 1 million years. (sciencedaily.com)