Efforts to identify the time course of the evolution of human language have been based on the
A) divergence of hominids and great apes from a common ancestor.
B) divergence of Homo sapiens from other species of humans.
C) development of a neocortex in animals.
D) timing of a critical mutation in the FOXP2 gene.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The timing of a critical mutation in the FOXP2 gene is the best choice for identifying the time course of the evolution of human language. FOXP2 is a gene associated with speech and language, and a specific mutation in this gene has been linked to language disorders in humans. This mutation arose approximately 50,000 years ago, which suggests that this gene may have played a crucial role in the development of language in humans.

Efforts to Identify the Time Course of the Evolution of Human