Studies of Neanderthal DNA revealed that there are more similarities to non-African DNA than reference sequences from West Africans. Additionally, scientists found that Neanderthal DNA is as closely related to East Asians as to Europeans. These patterns indicate that interbreeding occurred before human migration further east. Which evolutionary force most likely generated these results?
A) adaptive evolution
B) gene flow
C) genetic drift
D) nonrandom mating

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gene flow is the correct answer because it refers to the transfer of genetic variation from one population to another. The presence of Neanderthal DNA in non-African human populations suggests that there was interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans as they migrated out of Africa, which is a classic example of gene flow.

Studies of Neanderthal DNA Revealed That There Are More Similarities