Asked by Micaila Marcinko on Jul 17, 2024
Verified
Researchers studying human genomes have found that two African Bushmen living within walking distance of one another have more genetic diversity than a European and an Asian who live thousands of miles apart. Explain this observation.
Genetic Diversity
The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, contributing to its ability to adapt to changing environments.
African Bushmen
Indigenous people primarily of the central and southern regions of Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage and hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
Human Genomes
The complete set of genetic material, including all genes and their sequences, in a human organism.
- Describe the genetic diversity found within human populations and explain factors contributing to this diversity.
Verified Answer
SR
Sanjuan RobinsonJul 20, 2024
Final Answer :
This observation can be explained by the fact that Africa is the birthplace of modern humans, and as a result, it has the highest genetic diversity of any continent. The African Bushmen, also known as the San people, have lived in southern Africa for thousands of years and have maintained a high level of genetic diversity within their population. This is due to their long history of living in small, isolated groups and their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, which has allowed for a wide range of genetic variations to persist.
On the other hand, Europeans and Asians have more recent common ancestors and have experienced more genetic bottlenecks and population migrations, which have led to a reduction in genetic diversity within their populations. Additionally, the vast geographical distance between a European and an Asian individual means that they are less likely to share common genetic variations compared to two African Bushmen living in close proximity.
Overall, the genetic diversity observed in the African Bushmen compared to the European and Asian individuals can be attributed to the long history of human presence in Africa, as well as the unique cultural and environmental factors that have shaped the genetic makeup of different populations.
On the other hand, Europeans and Asians have more recent common ancestors and have experienced more genetic bottlenecks and population migrations, which have led to a reduction in genetic diversity within their populations. Additionally, the vast geographical distance between a European and an Asian individual means that they are less likely to share common genetic variations compared to two African Bushmen living in close proximity.
Overall, the genetic diversity observed in the African Bushmen compared to the European and Asian individuals can be attributed to the long history of human presence in Africa, as well as the unique cultural and environmental factors that have shaped the genetic makeup of different populations.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the genetic diversity found within human populations and explain factors contributing to this diversity.