Cambridge researchers have decoded the genetics of a so-called Kamilah gorilla. Research shows that the human genome is similar to the gorilla genome. The team hopes to discover genetic mutations that lead to the formation and development of culture, language, and science. The results of the study are published in the journal Nature.
Currently, the DNA sequences of humans, chimpanzees and orangutans have been published. The initial comparison confirmed that chimpanzees were the closest human relative with 99% homologous DNA. Followed by gorillas with 98% and orangutans in third with 97%. This reflects the evolutionary history of the apes. The genomic comparison shows that humans separated from orangutans 14 million years ago, gorillas 10 million years ago and chimpanzees 6 million years ago. Although genetically closer to chimpanzees, many human genes resemble gorilla genes, one of which allows humans and gorillas to hear better than other apes. This negated the hypothesis that the development of hearing allows humans to develop language. Medical researchers are also looking at a mutation that causes dementia in humans, but the gorilla appears to be completely unharmed.
Comparative research will better understand the evolution of all macaques, but the bigger question is when the genes that made humans capable of abstract thinking first appeared. Homo sapiens appeared around 200,000 years ago, but the human brain didn’t start to develop and make a difference until around 50,000 years ago. At that time, mankind was one of the few species of apes in Africa, whose life was perhaps not so different from that of gorillas. Thus, the assumption that something happened very quickly during this period led to the emergence of abstract thinking, allowing man to invent advanced tools and uses them.
The genome sequences of all the great apes will help scientists answer what has happened over the past 200,000 years that has allowed humanity to evolve as it is today.
