Why can’t chimps speak? Study links evolution of single gene to human capacity for language
Filed under: Language and the brain
If humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not? Scientists suspect that part of the answer to the mystery lies in a gene called FOXP2. When mutated, FOXP2 can disrupt speech and language in humans. Now, a UCLA–Emory University study reveals major differences between how the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 work, perhaps explaining why language is unique to humans.
Full article: University of California
See also:
> Gene Involved In Human Language Development Also Involved In Bat Echolocation> MIT: No easy answers in evolution of human language
> Key brain regulatory gene shows evolution in humans
> Humans left chimps behind in ‘evolution’s playground’
> Human speech gene gives mouse a baritone squeak
No Comments so far
Leave a comment
Leave a comment
No Comments (Add a comment)