1/27 Biology update and homework due 2/3

Hi folks,

Today we continued our unit on evolution by deepening some of the concepts that were introduced last week. We also took the time to investigate an interesting computer simulation that allowed us to manipulate mutation rates and selection strength in order to see the effect on genetic drift.

Homework for next week is to continue thinking about the concept of human evolution. To do so, I've included three articles that I would like you to read. Afterwards, answer the included questions.

http://www.npr.org/2013/09/27/226837803/modern-humans-still-evolving-and-faster-than-ever

http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/are-humans-still-evolving

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/human-species-still-evolving


1. Who were the Denisovans? Why are they interesting as far as genetics goes?



2. What is an example of something that we have in our genotype that may have come from the Denisovans?



3. Explain why, evolutionarily, we can't digest fibrous materials?



4. How recent is the variation of skin pigmentation? What is a hypothesis for why there are different colors of skin?



5. List five different stressors that are mentioned in the articles.



6. List five different pieces of evidence that humans are still evolving.



7. What would it take to get Homo sapiens to evolve into a new species?



8. What is epigenetics?



9. Can stresses in our life make genes act differently?



10. What is a "SNP" and how does it help us to see if humans are evolving?



11. What is indicated if scientists find genetic variants in lots of genomes in a population?



12. What is a hypothesis for why drinking milk would be an evolutionary advantage in Europe?