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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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Neuron-based heredity and human evolution.

Don M Gash1, Andrew S Deane1

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, USA.

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|July 3, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Human evolution is shaped by DNA-based genetics and behaviorally acquired information transmitted via the nervous system. This neuron-based heredity allows rapid, selective information transfer, complementing Darwinian evolution with Neolamarckian processes.

Keywords:
Neolamarckianbehaviorally-acquired informationbraincultural heredityheredityhuman evolutionmind

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Human evolution

Background:

  • Human evolution is influenced by both genetic (DNA-based) and behavioral (neuron-based) heredity.
  • The genetic system is ancient, while the nervous system's role in information transmission is more recent.
  • Both systems encode, store, and transmit hereditary information through distinct mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the informational capabilities and functions of DNA-based and neuron-based heredity.
  • To identify unique features of neuron-based heredity in humans.
  • To explore the interplay of Darwinian and Neolamarckian evolutionary processes in human descent.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of information encoding, storage, and transmission mechanisms.
  • Identification of key features of neuron-based heredity, including population-wide transfer and information selection.
  • Examination of neurobiological processes like hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (use/disuse) in relation to evolutionary change.

Main Results:

  • Neuron-based heredity enables information transfer beyond direct progeny, involves selection of transmitted information, and allows for rapid dissemination of adaptive information.
  • Mechanisms include hippocampal neurogenesis and learning-induced changes in neural networks.
  • Synaptic plasticity, driven by neural activity (use and disuse), modifies brain structure and function, aligning with Neolamarckian principles.

Conclusions:

  • Human evolution is driven by a bipartite process involving both Darwinian (genetic) and Neolamarckian (behaviorally acquired, neuron-based) heredity.
  • Neuron-based heredity provides a faster, more flexible mechanism for adaptation compared to genetic inheritance.
  • These dual evolutionary forces have shaped human descent from our common ancestor with great apes.