Final answer:
The lactase allele refers to a gene mutation that allows individuals to continue producing the enzyme lactase, allowing lactose tolerance in some human populations. This mutation became more frequent in regions where dairy agriculture culture developed, like Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lactase allele refers to a specific gene mutation that allows individuals to continue producing the enzyme lactase, which metabolizes lactose, a sugar found in milk, into adulthood. This mutation is responsible for lactose tolerance in some human populations. It is believed that the lactase allele became more frequent in certain populations due to an evolutionary advantage it provided in regions where dairy agriculture culture developed, such as Europe.