The Human Brain Still Evolving, Say Scientists
Researchers conducting genetic studies at the University of Chicago are saying that at least two human gene variants that affect the size of the brain have emerged and evolved rapidly in human history. One gene variant emerged approximately 37,000 years ago, corresponding to the dawn of art, religious culture, and music. The other variant emerged about 5,800 years ago, around the time of the beginnings of the Mesopotamian civilization. They maintain that these gene variants were subject to positive natural selection and spread rapidly through human populations, the first variant now present in 70 percent of the world population and the second now present in 30 percent. Moreover, they are suggesting that there are other gene variants yet to be studied that may also be responsible for brain size and development. The studies have clear implications for models of human evolution. Read the Story
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