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Actually, one of the groups of genes that experience the most mutations in the human genome are related to brain growth and development.
Brain related genes aren't highly conserved; I feel like we have had this discussion before. HOX genes, genes that signal structures to develop in certain spots, are highly conserved and thus present in very similar forms even in organisms not closely related, such as between fruit flies and humans. But, as for brain genes in general, in humans, they are some of the most frequently mutating genes. The overall super high mutation rate in our species could be to blame for our high rate of miscarriage.[/quote]
I see nothing good coming from mutations in the HOX genes and a Pandora's box of deleterious effects:
- HOXA1 Bosley–Salih–Alorainy syndrome (BSAS) Athabascan brainstem dysgenesis syndrome (ABDS)
- HOXA2-associated autosomal recessive microtia
- ARX (the aristaless-related homeobox gene) is a transcription factor that participates in the development of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. Many ARX mutations have been identified in X-linked lissencephaly and mental retardation with epilepsy (Hum Mol Genet. 2009 Oct 1)
So it makes little sense that the chimpanzee at one time was bipedal but it makes perfect sense that highly conserved brain related genes can undergo massive overhauls and de novo creation?The reason why being bipedal is a strong argument against an organism being an ancestor to chimpanzees is because the bipedal trait appeared long after the human and chimp lineage split and is present in the human lineage. Since chimps aren't bipedal and split off from the lineage that has said trait before the trait appeared, it wouldn't make any sense for chimps to have any bipedal ancestors. Same goes for smaller teeth.
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