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Related Concept Videos

Synteny and Evolution02:31

Synteny and Evolution

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John H. Renwick first coined the term “synteny” in 1971, which refers to the genes present on the same chromosomes, even if they are not genetically linked. The species with common ancestry tend to show conserved syntenic regions. Therefore, the concept of synteny is nowadays used to describe the evolutionary relationship between species.
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Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
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Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
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Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.
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Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
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Related Experiment Video

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Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
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Recent human evolution in northwestern Africa.

J J Hublin1

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|August 29, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Fossil evidence from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, suggests early modern humans appeared in North Africa earlier than previously thought. This challenges the idea that modern human evolution was confined to eastern or sub-Saharan Africa.

Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Human Evolution
  • North African Prehistory

Background:

  • The Aterian industries in the Maghreb (Northwest Africa) are linked to early modern humans, appearing around 40,000 years ago.
  • Previous understanding of early human predecessors in the region was limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the age and classification of the Jebel Irhoud hominin specimens from Morocco.
  • To investigate the role of geographic barriers in early human dispersal and evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Palaeontological analysis of hominin fossils.
  • Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) dating of fossil specimens.

Main Results:

  • The Jebel Irhoud series is older than previously estimated, dating to oxygen isotope stage 5 or 6.

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  • The specimens exhibit modern human synapomorphies with some primitive retentions, distinct from Neanderthals.
  • The findings suggest a more complex picture of early modern human origins and dispersal.

    • Conclusions:

    • Early modern humans in North Africa predate the Aterian industries.
    • The Mediterranean Sea acted as a significant biological barrier during the Pleistocene.
    • The emergence of anatomically modern human features was not limited to eastern or sub-Saharan Africa.