Mutation in creativity gene 'led to rise of Man'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A single mutation in a "creativity" gene less than 100,000 years ago led to the rapid development of art and culture and the ascent of Man, according to a controversial view of our early evolutionary history.
The mutation in a gene called "foxp2" – identified by British scientists in 2001 – caused an explosion in the complexity of language which underpinned the social and cultural revolution leading to the spread of Homo sapiens.
Richard Klein, professor of anthropological sciences at Stanford University in California, told the meeting that changes in the foxp2 gene – which plays a prominent role in the brain for language development – could explain the sudden change in human culture.
This became apparent about 50,000 years ago when early humans went from a stone-based culture to one that included finer tools and ornaments made from ivory, bone and shell, which indicated the development of art and ritual.
"I think there was a biological change, a genetic mutation that promoted the fully modern ability to create and innovate,'' Professor Klein said. "Suddenly, modern-looking people began to behave in a modern way, producing art and jewellery and doing a variety of other things they hadn't done before.''
The foxp2 gene was discovered by scientists at Oxford University and the Institute of Child Health in London.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments