Humans are Evolving Faster Than You Think!

Human evolution has fascinated scientists for centuries. And now, new research published in Nature Genetics has revealed that mankind could be evolving at a much faster rate than previously thought. After analysing data drawn from the world’s biggest genetics study of a single population, scientists have concluded that almost every man on the planet can be traced back to a single common male ancestor who walked the earth around 250,000 years ago.

Adam is much younger than previously thought

The discovery of what scientists refer to as “genetic Adam” indicates that the man lived 100,000 years later than originally thought. For the human race, this means that evolution and genetic divergence has been occurring at a much faster rate. Kári Stefánsson, senior author of the study and scientist at deCODE Genetics, maintains that the new findings “mean we have evolved faster than we thought.”

So how did researchers manage to pinpoint the date of Adam’s existence? Using Y-chromosomes drawn from 753 Icelandic men, they used an innovative “molecular clock” to analyse DNA mutations present in each generation.  This resulted in the theory that Adam was alive anywhere from 174,000 to 321,000 years ago.

A lost love story

Another fascinating discovery uncovered that “genetic Adam” was also alive at the same time that “mitochondrial Eve” lived. “It gives us enormous confidence to have a timeline that is similar,” says Stefánsson. Scientists have clear-cut evidence indicating that all of today’s living females have mitochondrial DNA that can be traced back to this woman who was alive around 200,000 years ago. Although, while the Bible reads that Adam and Eve were the only humans on the planet, scientists argue otherwise. In fact, they claim that genetic Adam and Eve never even met!

Adam lives on…

When the world’s population stabilises, as it has done for long periods in the past, men have an average of one son and women have an average of one daughter. This means that there is a high chance that a man’s paternal line will eventually disappear. Furthermore, any male descendants from daughters inherit Y-chromosomes from other males. According to scientific theory, this proves that Y-chromosome Adam is the only man whose paternal line remains unbroken to this day.

As well as uncovering the truth behind Adam and Eve, the study also helps scientists pinpoint key dates when major evolution developments occurred. This includes when humans first ventured out of Africa and arrived on European shores. It’s ground-breaking research that not only sates our curiosity but also offers valuable insight into the future of the human race. With recent research from the University of Wisconsin finding that 7% of human genes have undergone recent evolution, there could be noticeable changes on the not too distant horizon! 

Further reading on DNA

The use of DNA identification methodologies has revolutionised crime scene investigation, but its use has often been the subject of controversy, and the use of forensic science in the courtroom has given rise to changes in the law and the interpretation of law. For more information, read this article: DNA Technology: 150 Years of Research and Development.