Suppose, in contrast to the actual situation, that Neanderthals had a variant of the FOXP2 gene that resembled the chimpanzee variant more than the human variant.What would be the most reasonable inference based on this counterfactual finding?
A) Neanderthals had red hair.
B) Neanderthals did not have red hair.
C) Neanderthals lacked the capacity for complex speech and language.
D) Humans and Neanderthals exchanged genes by interbreeding.
E) Humans and Neanderthals evolved in separate regions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

FOXP2 is a gene that is important for language and speech in humans. If Neanderthals had a variant of the FOXP2 gene that was more similar to the chimpanzee variant, then it is likely that they lacked the capacity for complex speech and language. This is because the human variant of the FOXP2 gene has been shown to be involved in the development and function of neural circuits that are necessary for speech and language. Therefore, if Neanderthals had a gene that was less efficient in this regard, it suggests that they did not have as advanced a capacity for speech and language as humans do.

Suppose, in Contrast to the Actual Situation, That Neanderthals Had