Controversies in Science/Was there a mitochondrial Eve?/A critique of Genomics refutes an exclusively African origin of humans

(Review Paper) Cited in Controversies in Science/Was there a mitochondrial Eve?/A critique of Genomics refutes an exclusively African origin of humans

Points Made

This article states that new species of Homo sapiens arose out of Africa, which led to the extinction of previous human species. With the analysis of past phenotypes and genetic DNA, there is proof of hybridization. This hybridization led to the modern Homo sapien sapien, which ultimately bred with and wiped out previous species. The date these species migrated out of Africa was proven to be closer to two million years ago, as opposed to other theories stating it was 200 thousand years ago.

Methods

The Monte Carlo model (a computer simulation program) was used to recreate the migration of early human ancestors out of Africa. The genomes were analyzed in this program to prove the existence of genes being mixed between "archaic" and "modern" species. This hybridization simulation also takes into account the mutations that go along with natural selection from generation to generation.

The evolution of humans, whether dating hundred of thousands or millions of years, may be far too complex of a history to simplify into a computer simulation program. Though adjustments were made to account for mutations and natural selection, they could only be based on someone's best guess. The debate remains on the existence of a mitochondrial Eve, this points to a lack of data, which is fundamental in creating a computer simulation program.Jstal531 (talk) 02:40, 28 March 2012 (UTC)

I agree with Jstal531 , computers may be complex and can compute information that a normal human can only dream about; but computers can make mistakes and as said above it is the best guess. Computers software is made by humans and we only know so much therefore the computer can only know so much. So personally a simulation program doesn't give us proper insight to make a educational break through, but just a basic education estimate. Sambo1428 (talk)

Results

The results of the study show that we share about 80% of DNA with now extinct species of humans dating much farther back than 200,000 years ago as suggested by the theory of mitochondrial eve. A better estimate would be 2 million years ago based on analyzing phenotypes and the DNA of remains found from these species. Non-African descendants show variation in their physical features which suggests these populations aren't first modern population descendants..