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Human Genetics pp 512–542Cite as

Human Evolution

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Abstract

Population Genetics Helps to Understand Evolution. The concepts developed in population genetics and the examples from human genetics will help in understanding human evolution and the resulting genetic differences between humans and other mammals and especially between our closet relatives, the great apes. These concepts will also improve our understanding of genetic variability within and between present-day human populations. We shall discuss the evidence in three parts: In the very short introductory section, we shall sketch the evidence on human evolution from paleonthropology. This survey will lead us to a more elaborate discussion of the genetic mechanisms of human evolution. Finally, we shall discuss the genetic variability between present-day human population groups in the light of the genetic evidence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Anthropologie und Humangenetik, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 6900, Heidelberg, Germany

    Professor Dr. Friedrich Vogel

  2. Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA

    Arno G. Motulsky M. D. (Professor of Medicine and Genetics)

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  1. Professor Dr. Friedrich Vogel
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  2. Arno G. Motulsky M. D.
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© 1986 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Vogel, F., Motulsky, A.G. (1986). Human Evolution. In: Human Genetics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-02489-8_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-02489-8_8

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