Genetics and Human Brain Evolution

I am new to the boards and I am interested in discussing the genetic basis of human evolution. I am specificlly interested in the evolution of the human brain over the last 2 1/2 million years. There are three main points of discussion I am proposing:1.The genetic changes involved in the acquisition of unique human features, such as highly developed cognitive functions, bipedalism or the use of complex language.Nature - Not FoundThey have compared the differences betwee the human genome and that of chimpanzees, these differences, attributed to mutations, can be reduced to ratios. Bear this in mind when looking at real world genetic research into comparisons of humans (homo sapiens) and our, supposedly, closest relative the chimpanzee.2. The genes involved and the number of changes that would be required for humans to evolve from apes.Evidence that human brain evolution was a spe | EurekAlert!One of the study's major surprises is the relatively large number of genes that have contributed to human brain evolution. "For a long time, people have debated about the genetic underpinning of human brain evolution," said Lahn. "Is it a few mutations in a few genes, a lot of mutations in a few genes, or a lot of mutations in a lot of genes? The answer appears to be a lot of mutations in a lot of genes. We've done a rough calculation that the evolution of the human brain probably involves hundreds if not thousands of mutations in perhaps hundreds or thousands of genes -- and even that is a conservative estimate."3. The genetic basis for the three-fold brain expansion over ~ 2 million years.Evolution of the Human ASPM Gene, a Major Determinant of Brain Size | Genetics | Oxford AcademicNo amount of random combinations of chimpanzee genes could ever produce such a change in size and complexity. The only way it could happen is thousands of mutations in thousands of genes.I proposed this in another forum and someone suggested I try here. I await your response to my proposal of a new topic of discussion.This message has been edited by eggasai, 08-18-2005 09:46 PM

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