Human Evolution Flashcards
Biological Evolution
Passing on information via the inheritance of genes. It is relatively slow and happens over many generations
Cultural Evolution
The non-genetic passing on of information through language and learning. It is relatively fast and can occur within one generation
Foramen Magnum
The hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes
Multi-regional Theory
Suggest that Homo erectus left Africa around 1.5-2mya and evolved into Homo sapiens simultaneously in Africa, Europe and Asia
Out of Africa Theory (OOA)
Suggests that Homo erectus evolved into Homo sapiens in Africa, and then ventured out of Africa 40,000-65,000ya and dispersed to all around the world (more evident)
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Inherited maternally (from the mitochondria in the mother’s egg) and does not undergo recombination therefore can be used to work out time from divergence
Y chromosomal analysis
Inherited from father only, ( used as a molecular clock) and does not undergo recombination ( i.e. no crossing over, independent assortment) therefore can be used to work out time from divergence
Nuclear DNA
Can be extracted from fossils and sequenced to look for genes to compare hominin. We can see what mutations came about and when in genes and in coding regions e.g. lactose persistence gene
What is the transitional evidence that supports Multiregional theory?
Transitional fossils found outside of Africa represent intermediates between H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens
What DNA evidence support Multiregional theory?
There are some similarities between H. sapiens, H. neanderthalensis and Denisovan DNA sequences
What mtDNA evidence support Multiregional Theory?
H. neanderthalensis mtDNA is substantially different from modern humans, in some cases the differences are less than those observed between chimpanzee subspecies
What Y chromosome evidence supports Multiregional Theory?
Y chromosome analysis indicated a later expansion back into Africa from Asia
Transitional fossils that support OOA theory?
A gradual enlargement of the brain was occurring among archaic homo species in Africa
What mtDNA evidence supports OOA theory?
Analysis is used to support the idea that the oldest living modern human came from Africa (140,000ya), based on the number of mutations accumulated as the rate of mutation occurs at a constant rate
What Y chromosome evidence is used to support OOA theory?
Analysis is used to support the idea that the oldest living modern human came from Africa (140,000ya), based on the number of mutations accumulated as the rate of mutation occurs at a constant rate
