Discuss the relative importance of genetic and cultural evolution in the recent evolution of humans.

 

·      Changes in genotype (genetic evolution via natural selection) have lead to cultural evolution in humans by promoting intelligent behaviour

·      Larger brain sizes have promoted increased learning capacity / greater cognitive ability

·      Prolonged gestations have promoted social interaction / familiy networks

·      Bipedalism has promoted extensive migration and improved socialisation tendencies

·      Shorter finger bones and reduced reliance on forelimbs for locomation have promoted increased tool manipulation

·      Evolution of culture (e.g. art, science, language) has been more rapid and recent than genetic evolution (which requires many generations)

·      Further cultural evolution (through genetic engineering) may hasten changes in our genetic evolution

·      Certain products of cultural evolution (e.g. medicines) may reduce genetic evolution via natural selection

·      Other products of cultural evolution (e.g. pollution) may increase genetic evolution (increased mutagenic rate)

ZK
Answered by Zana Katarina L. Biology tutor

4579 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

How does muscle contraction take place?


Explain the course of Hershey-Chase experiment.


What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?


How does DNA replication take place?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning