Human Population Genetics

Question 1

How many differences are between humans and chimps?

Answer 1

30 million

~9 differences per gene

Question 2

When did Homo erectus evolve?

Answer 2

2.5 million years ago

Question 3

What are the two models for how modern humans arose?

Answer 3

Multi-regional model - transition from Homo erectus to Homo sapienz took place in many places and there was gene flow between populations

Out-of-Africa model - Less than 200,000 years ago Homo sapiens emerged in Africa than spread around the globe to replace other hominids

Question 4

Do humans have high or low levels of genetic diversity?

Answer 4

Low

Question 5

Is diversity higher or lower in East Africa?

Answer 5

Higher

Question 6

What are used as genetic markers? Why?

Answer 6

Mitochondrial DNA

Y chromosome DNA

Do not undergo recombination

Question 7

What evidence has been used to see if humans and other hominids interbred?

Answer 7

Accent lineages of head lice

Question 8

How much of the Eurasian human genome come from Neanderthals?

Answer 8

1-4%

Question 9

What types of melanin are associated with different pigments?

Answer 9

Eumelanin - associated with black/brown pigments

Phaeomelanin - associated with red/yellow pigments

Question 10

What are the negative effects of UV?

Answer 10

Short-term exposure can cause sunburn and damage to sweat glands

Long-term exposure can cause skin and eye cancers

Nutrient photodegradation

Question 11

What are the positives of UV?

Answer 11

Synthesis of vitamin D

Question 12

What type of Mendelian trait is lactase persistence?

Answer 12

Autosomal dominant