Human Evolution Flashcards
In statistics, what is likelihood?
probability of the data given a particular model
In general, what are the two parts of a substitution model?
state frequencies and rate matrix
Which is NOT an appropriate approach for working with ancient DNA?
use methods that focus on long, unbroken strands of DNA
What is the basic underlying assumption of a (strict) molecular clock?
rates of molecular evolution are constant through time and between lineages
Who or what are the Denisovans?
an extinct archaic group of hominins first known from a fingerbone in Siberia
In phylogenetics, what is the name for a taxon that we know is more distantly related than our other taxa, and which we can use to root a phylogenetic tree?
Outgroup
What is NOT a possible use of a phylogeny?
To predict future climate change
What length of indel will NOT cause a frameshift mutation in a protein-coding DNA sequence?
6
Which statement is TRUE regarding NON-protein coding DNA sequences?
Indels can be any length
What statement is TRUE regarding the human mitochondrial genome?
It is approximately 16.5 kb long
