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Fossil evidence indicates that between 30,000–80,000 years ago, populations of the two hominin species – modern humans (Homo sapiens) and the extinct Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) – lived close to each other in parts of the Middle East, Europe and Asia - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 11
Fossil evidence indicates that between 30,000–80,000 years ago, populations of the two hominin species – modern humans (Homo sapiens) and the extinct Neanderthals (H... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Fossil evidence indicates that between 30,000–80,000 years ago, populations of the two hominin species – modern humans (Homo sapiens) and the extinct Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) – lived close to each other in parts of the Middle East, Europe and Asia - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Suggest how DNA from H. neanderthalensis entered the genome of present-day European, East Asian and Australian Aboriginal H. sapiens, and continues to be found in modern populations.
Answer
The DNA from H. neanderthalensis likely entered the genomes of modern European, East Asian, and Australian Aboriginal H. sapiens through interbreeding events that occurred in the Middle East and Europe during their coexistence. This genetic exchange allowed some Neanderthal DNA to be assimilated into the ancestral gene pool of these populations. Over generations, the Neanderthal DNA was passed down, which explains its presence in 1-4% of the genome of these populations today.
Step 2
What implication does this DNA evidence have for the classification of the two hominin species, H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis, according to the common definition of a species?
Answer
The DNA evidence implies that H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis are not entirely separate species, as they have interbred and exchanged genetic material. According to the biological definition of a species, which includes the ability to produce viable and fertile offspring, this genetic exchange questions their classification as distinct species. It suggests that they share a closer evolutionary relationship than previously thought.