Human and chimp genomes reveal new twist on origin of species

[iansmith]

The evolutionary split between human and chimpanzee is much more recent -- and more complicated -- than previously thought, according to a new study by scientists at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and at Harvard Medical School published in the May 17 online edition of Nature.

The results show that the two species split no more than 6.3 million years ago and probably less than 5.4 million years ago. Moreover, the speciation process was unusual -- possibly involving an initial split followed by later hybridization before a final separation.

"The study gave unexpected results about how we separated from our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. We found that the population structure that existed around the time of human-chimpanzee speciation was unlike any modern ape population. Something very unusual happened at the time of speciation", said David Reich, the senior author of the Nature paper, and an associate member of the Broad Institute and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School's Department of Genetics.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/biom-hac051106.php

 

[arildno]

Fascinating. Has similar studies been made with bonobos?

 

[ravenprp]

The findings of this study provide a fascinating new perspective on the evolutionary split between humans and chimpanzees. The fact that the two species split much more recently than previously thought challenges our understanding of the timeline of human evolution. Additionally, the suggestion that there may have been an initial split followed by later hybridization adds a new level of complexity to the process of speciation.

It is also noteworthy that the population structure at the time of human-chimpanzee speciation was unlike any modern ape population. This suggests that there may have been unique factors at play during this critical period of evolutionary history. The researchers' discovery of this unusual population structure highlights the importance of continued research and investigation into the origins of our species.

Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex and dynamic process of evolution. It reminds us that our understanding of the origins of species is constantly evolving and that there is still much to be discovered and learned about our own evolutionary history.