Svante Pääbo: DNA clues to our inner neanderthal

The video explores the study of genomes from living and extinct humans, focusing on genetic variation, human evolution, and the history of human migration from Africa. It discusses the genetic differences among populations, the role of mutations, and the interactions with Neanderthals and Denisovans. The video concludes with insights into the genetic mixing of humans throughout history.

What is the primary molecule that stores genetic information in our cells?

• DNA

• RNA

• Protein

• Lipids

How often do genetic differences occur between two human genomes?

• Every 100 letters

• Every 1,200 to 1,300 letters

• Every 1,000,000 letters

• Every 10,000 letters

Where is the greatest genetic variation found?

• Africa

• Asia

• Europe

• Australia

What does the genetic variation in Africa suggest about human evolution?

• Humans evolved in Asia

• Humans evolved in Australia

• Humans evolved in Africa

• Humans evolved in Europe

What is a common misconception about genetic differences between continents?

• There are no genetic differences

• There are huge genetic differences

• Genetic differences are only due to environment

• Genetic differences are due to diet

What percentage of DNA do people outside Africa have from Neanderthals?

• 2.5%

• 1.5%

• 5.5%

• 0.5%

Where were Denisovans first discovered?

• South Africa

• Western Europe

• Southern Siberia

• North America

What is the significance of the Denisovan DNA found in Melanesians?

• Denisovans were isolated to Europe

• Denisovans never existed

• Denisovans were widespread in the past

• Denisovans lived only in Siberia

What is a key lesson from studying human and extinct genomes?

• Humans evolved independently on each continent

• Humans have always been isolated

• Humans have always mixed

• Humans never mixed with Neanderthals

What percentage of DNA do Melanesians have from Denisovans?

• 7%

• 5%

• 3%

• 1%