Q. There are two opposing views about origin of Modern man. According to one view Homo erectus in Asia were the ancestors of modern man. A study of variations of DNA however suggested African origin of Modern man. What kind of observation on DNA variation could suggest this ?
A) Greater variation in Africa than in Asia
B) Variation only in Asia and no variation in Africa
C) Greater variation in Asia than in Africa
D) Similar variation in Africa and Asia
Explanation
[Solution from source] Mutations pile up over time, so the oldest human population carries the most genetic diversity. Greater DNA (mitochondrial) variation in African populations than in Asian ones shows that humans lived longest in Africa, which points to an African origin. Greater variation in Asia would instead support an Asian origin. Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.