The Dawn of Us

Question 1

Chauvet Cave’s Fascination

Answer 1

The Chauvet cave is captivating to archaeologists for its well-preserved artwork and evidence of early human creativity, offering insight into the symbolic and cultural development of Homo sapiens

Question 2

Multiregional Hypothesis

Answer 2

Suggests Homo erectus populations migrated out of Africa ~1.5-1.8 million years ago, evolving independently into modern humans across different regions while maintaining genetic continuity through interbreeding

Question 3

Monogenesis (Out of Africa) Hypothesis

Answer 3

Proposes modern humans originated from a Homo sapiens population in Africa ~300,000 years ago, spreading to Europe and Asia ~50,000-100,000 years ago, replacing archaic humans like Neanderthals

Question 4

Support for Monogenesis from Neanderthal DNA

Answer 4

Neanderthal DNA in modern Europeans and Asians (1-3%) indicates limited interbreeding after humans left Africa, while African populations lack Neanderthal DNA, supporting a single African origin

Question 5

Neanderthals and H. sapiens’ Common Ancestor

Answer 5

Svante Paabo estimates that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens shared a common ancestor ~500,000-700,000 years ago

Question 6

Atlatl

Answer 6

A spear-throwing tool that increases projectile speed and distance, offering early humans a significant advantage in hunting larger prey

Question 7

Cultural Revolution ~50,000 Years Ago

Answer 7

Early modern humans in Africa experienced a surge in creativity, developing advanced tools, art, and language. Richard Klein attributes this to a genetic mutation enhancing cognitive abilities

Question 8

Lactase Persistence in Americans

Answer 8

Lactase production into adulthood in ~50% of Americans results from genetic mutations that allowed early pastoral societies to digest milk, conferring a nutritional advantage

Question 9

Sickle-Cell Anemia

Answer 9

A genetic disease caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to abnormally shaped red blood cells that block blood flow, causing pain, anemia, and organ damage

Question 10

Plasmodium

Answer 10

The genus name of the parasite causing malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes and invading red blood cells

Question 11

Sickle-Cell Gene Frequency in Africa

Answer 11

The high frequency of the sickle-cell allele in African populations is due to its protective effect against malaria in heterozygous individuals, despite risks for homozygous carriers

Question 12

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Answer 12

A genetic disorder where individuals cannot metabolize phenylalanine, leading to toxic buildup. It is managed by a low-phenylalanine diet from infancy

Question 13

Likelihood of Evolving a New Human Species

Answer 13

Unlikely due to global gene flow maintaining genetic homogeneity and rapid cultural adaptation reducing selective pressures for significant physical changes

Question 14

Evolution of Languages and Species

Answer 14

Both evolve through branching from common ancestors, adapting to environments over time. Language changes are analogous to genetic mutations driving species divergence

Question 15

Memes

Answer 15

Cultural ideas or practices that spread and evolve similarly to genes. Example: Internet memes like viral videos adapting to societal humor trends