The Question is from neet-zoology , and it was created by the author T SAILAJA

Question

The 'Out of Africa' hypothesis for the origin of modern humans is primarily supported by evidence from which field of study?

T SAILAJA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Out of Africa hypothesis and its supporting evidence
 **Related Topics**: Human evolution, mitochondrial DNA, Y-chromosome, genetic drift, population genetics
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of human evolution and molecular genetics.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
The question asks about the primary field of study supporting the 'Out of Africa' hypothesis.
**Method & Steps**:
The 'Out of Africa' hypothesis proposes that modern humans originated in Africa and then migrated to other parts of the world, replacing earlier hominin populations.  The most compelling evidence for this comes from molecular genetics.
1. **Molecular Genetics Analysis**:  Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome analysis are particularly useful because mtDNA is inherited maternally (only from the mother) and the Y-chromosome is inherited paternally (only from the father). By tracing the lineages of mtDNA and Y-chromosomes across different populations, scientists can reconstruct human migration patterns and estimate the time of divergence of different populations.
  Reasoning:  These analyses reveal a common ancestor originating in Africa, with subsequent branching reflecting migrations out of Africa.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable, but phylogenetic tree analysis is a key method used to interpret the genetic data.
2.  **Comparison with other fields**: While comparative anatomy, paleoclimatology, and linguistics provide valuable supporting information about human evolution and migration, they do not provide the same level of direct evidence for the Out of Africa hypothesis as molecular genetics.
  Working: Comparative anatomy focuses on physical similarities and differences between species, paleoclimatology studies past climates, and linguistics analyses language evolution. These are all relevant but not the primary source of support for the Out of Africa model.
3. **Conclusion**:  Molecular genetics, specifically mtDNA and Y-chromosome analysis, provides the strongest and most direct evidence for the 'Out of Africa' hypothesis.
  Result: The correct answer is C: Molecular genetics (mtDNA and Y-chromosome analysis).
  Verification: The overwhelming scientific consensus supports the Out of Africa hypothesis based on genetic evidence.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Comparative anatomy provides insights into evolutionary relationships but lacks the precision of genetic data in tracing migration patterns.
B :x: Paleoclimatology helps explain environmental factors influencing human migration but doesn't directly support the Out of Africa hypothesis.
C ✓: Molecular genetics provides the strongest evidence through mtDNA and Y-chromosome analysis, tracing lineages back to an African origin.
D :x: Linguistics can inform about language dispersal, but it's not the primary evidence for the Out of Africa hypothesis.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing supporting evidence with primary evidence:  Other fields provide supporting information, but molecular genetics is the strongest evidence.
  2.Overlooking the significance of mtDNA and Y-chromosome analysis: These specific types of genetic analysis are key to understanding human migration.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that the Out of Africa hypothesis is primarily a genetic theory.
  2.Focus on the unique inheritance patterns of mtDNA and Y-chromosomes.

T SAILAJA · Answer

Comparative anatomy

T SAILAJA · Answer

Paleoclimatology

T SAILAJA · Answer

The correct Option is "Molecular genetics (mtDNA and Y-chromosome analysis)"

T SAILAJA · Answer

Linguistics

NEET Zoology MCQs

Select Chapter

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company