Recently, a study conducted by Family Tree DNA, specializing in tracing lineage, found a Y chromosome in a man from South Carolina that dates back 338,000 years ago. More specifically, that mean that this mutation of this chromosome happened and began appearing in men around 338,000 years ago. Until now, modern humans were thought to not even have evolved by this point in time, around 334,000 B.C.E. This chromosome also did not fit on the currently constructed and long-standing Y chromosome tree that many people have been able to trace their family lineage back to. Through extensive research, this chromosome was only found in this man and the Mbo tribe of western Cameroon, suggesting heavily that this is the original population this man was born of. It is also likely that more such rare chromosomes will be found, expanding the chromosome tree and mapping out our genetic history more completely.
Personally, I'm thrilled a new discovery has been made. Every time a new discovery of anything, especially anything regarding human biology, is made, I want to learn more about it, because it could in time be used to our advantage, i.e. to cure diseases, or if "eugenics" becomes less of a dirty word.
There are a lot of important NOS themes that apply. First, "science is subject to debate and tentative". Scientists' beliefs about human evolution were changed when they found this rare chromosome. Science is always changing. Second, "science is collaborative". Scientist from the University of Arizona worked together and ha to use data from other scientists. Third, "role of motivation and curiosity" because scientists had to keep looking for a new chromosome that was older than what had been previously found.
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