Biology/Ref: question
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Question
Good day
I recently learnt that according to DNA evidence that all humans are like 99.9% the same genetically? Can you tell me how was this proven and how can we know this with assurance. Also how was this found out and what accounts for the variation?
Regards,
Sunil Mahabir
Pembroke Pines, Fl.
Dear Sunil,
Techniques in DNA sequencing have allowed scientists to show that humans are remarkably genetically uniform. There is a nice overview of this finding here:
http://www.helium.com/items/542421-how-999-of-any-one-persons-dna-exactly-person...
DNA sequences don't lie. They are physical evidence that we are all descended from a common ancestor.
Variation is due to mutations--changes in the DNA from one generation to the next--that can be caused by various things. This is a huge subject unto itself, but you can get an overview here:
http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/107/107F10_6.html
and
http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/107/107F10_8.html
Hope that helps.
Dana
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Answers by Expert:
Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!
Experience
At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980).
I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.
Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.
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