Question

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 Modem 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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Greater variation in Asia than in Africa

Answer 2

The origin of human races is a much-debated point among scientists studying human evolution. Many scientists argued that different race evolved from Homo erectus independently and that each adapted to a different place-Orientals in Asia, Caucasians in Europe, Aborigines in Australia and so on. However, in recent times, scientists conducting studies on mitochondrial DNA collected from diverse human populations across the globe have put forth a different perspective. Their research findings suggest that all human races trace their origins back to a common ancestor, Homo sapiens, who originated in Africa.

So, the correct option is (C): Greater variation in Asia than in Africa