TheLiteralist writes:
In my mind, the "broken" genes might simply be genetic modules that look very similar to other genetic modules but serve somewhat, or even altogether, different purposes.
Such supposition is contrary to reality. Most mammals have a GLO gene which produces an enzyme involved in the synthesis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Humans have an analogous gene which has a mutation which codes for a premature sop codon and renders the resultant protein useless. This explains why humans must get their ascorbic acid from their dietary intake. Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans have the same disabling mutation which inactivates their GLO genes.
The original gene does not serve its original purpose. It does not serve any other purpose. It is shared by a number of species which are relatively closely related. The simplest hypothesis is that all of these primate species are descended froma common ancestor which contained the GLO pseudogene and it has been passed to descendent species.
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