Chromosome 2 in Homo sapiens formed when two smaller chromosomes fused,after the chimpanzee and human lineages split.As a result,humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes and chimpanzees have 24 and can no longer form fertile offspring (Fig.14.31).This would be an example of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chromosome fusion leading to speciation is an example of punctuated equilibrium, which involves rapid bursts of genetic changes that lead to new species. The fusion of chromosomes in the human lineage occurred relatively quickly in evolutionary terms, resulting in a distinct change from the ancestral chromosome number and leading to the formation of a new species that cannot interbreed with its closest relative, the chimpanzee.

Chromosome 2 in Homo Sapiens Formed When Two Smaller Chromosomes