Why Can't Chimps Speak? Key Differences In How Human And Chimp Versions Of FOXP2 Gene Work
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 21:28
in Biology & Nature
If humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not? Scientists suspect that part of the answer to the mystery lies in a gene called FOXP2. When mutated, FOXP2 can disrupt speech and language in humans. Now, a new study reveals major differences between how the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 work, perhaps explaining why language is unique to humans.
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