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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
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Evolutionary processes shaping diversity across the Homo lineage.

Lauren Schroeder1, Rebecca Rogers Ackermann2

  • 1Human Evolution Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Buffalo Human Evolutionary Morphology Lab, Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.

Journal of Human Evolution
|September 7, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Genetic drift, not selection, explains most Homo diversity and species diversification. However, selection was key for early migrations, diet adaptations, and differentiating Homo rudolfensis.

Keywords:
Cranial variationGenetic driftGenus HomoMandibular variationNatural selection

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Area of Science:

  • Paleoanthropology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Quantitative Genetics

Background:

  • Fossil evidence reveals significant morphological diversity and co-existence of multiple Homo species.
  • The evolutionary processes driving this diversity remain largely unknown.
  • Understanding these processes offers insights into human lineage evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cranial and mandibular variation and diversification in Homo from 2.8 Ma to 0.126-0.0117 Ma.
  • To determine the roles of genetic drift versus natural selection in shaping Homo diversity.
  • To understand the adaptive significance of observed variations.

Main Methods:

  • Statistical analyses based on quantitative genetics theory.
  • Examination of cranial and mandibular variation.
  • Evaluation of diversification patterns across different time periods.

Main Results:

  • Random processes, primarily genetic drift, account for most trait diversification, including neurocranial traits.
  • Selection played a role in early hominin migrations out of Africa.
  • Dietary shifts likely influenced mandibular and maxillary diversity.
  • Homo rudolfensis shows distinct adaptive differences from other early Homo taxa.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic drift and small population sizes were significant factors in Homo evolution and trait development.
  • Natural selection was crucial for adaptation to new environments and specific ecological pressures.
  • The interplay between drift and selection shaped the evolutionary trajectory of the genus Homo.