Africans are not as tall as northern Europeans. But Manute Vol and other sports figures in basketball and football receive a lot of press coverage.

A rich diet does lead to earlier puberty but to my knowledge it does not student the adolescent growth spurt. Early pregnancy, before reaching adult height, does slow or stop growth.

Taller people tend to earn more on average, although the effect is modest. This is clearly true in occupations where strength is important but also a relationship exists in other occupations as well. It could be perceptions, as you say or something systematic. It's somewhat of a mystery.

Genes are very important at the individual level but these differences tend to cancel at the national level.

Africans are not as tall as northern Europeans. But Manute Vol and other sports figures in basketball and football receive a lot of press coverage.

Being shorter or taller depends on details of the diet. Vegetarians can obtain a balanced diet, with sufficient complete protein, vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients. It's trickier for vegans but it can be done.

The second and third generation effect of immigration accounts for only a small portion of the height shortfall between Americans and northern Europeans. Besides the slowdown in American heights began in the 1950s, well before large-scale immigration into the country.