The Role of Genetic Changes in Human Evolution
Recent research highlights how subtle genetic shifts in a brain enzyme could provide significant insights into human evolution. These tiny alterations may have played a crucial role in our species’ success, especially after diverging from our relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, around half a million years ago.
The study suggests that these genetic changes influenced our brain biochemistry, which could explain the cognitive advantages that set modern humans apart. Understanding these shifts not only sheds light on our evolutionary path but also opens avenues for exploring the genetic underpinnings of human behavior and intelligence.
