Molecular Evolution and Human Ancestry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to molecular evolution, human ancestry, and the study of genetic variations across populations.

Molecular evolution

The study of how genomes, DNA and protein sequences change over generational time.

Molecular clock

A method used to estimate the passage of time based on mutation rates in DNA or protein sequences.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA found in mitochondria that is passed down from mothers to their offspring, used to trace maternal lineage.

Y chromosome

The male sex chromosome, which can be used to trace paternal ancestry due to its non-recombining regions.

Karyotype evolution

Changes in the number, structure, and morphology of chromosomes within a species over evolutionary time.

Polyploidy

A condition in which an organism has extra sets of chromosomes.

Aneuploidy

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, such as having an extra or missing chromosome.

Mutation rates

The frequency at which mutations occur in a given sequence of DNA or protein.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Haplotypes

Groups of closely linked alleles or genetic markers that are inherited together as a unit, used in ancestry tracing.

Admixture

The mixing of different populations, resulting in a new genetic makeup.

Founder effects

Genetic phenomena that occur when a small group from a larger population establishes a new population.

Archaic humans

Hominins, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans, that existed before anatomically modern humans.

Founder population

A small group of individuals that colonizes a new habitat, leading to a new population with less genetic diversity.