Which statement comparing the human and Neanderthal genomes is true?
A) The Neanderthal genome is only 90 percent identical to human DNA.
B) The higher activity of the MC1R gene in Neanderthals means that some of them may have had pale skin and red hair.
C) Genetic analysis reveals that humans and Neanderthals did interbreed.
D) The Neanderthal FOXP2 gene is not identical to that of humans, which means they were not capable of speech.
E) There are no human DNA sequences that are distinct from Neanderthal DNA sequences due to point mutations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic analysis has shown that humans and Neanderthals interbred and modern humans today have traces of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes.

Answer: B
 Studies have shown that the MC1R gene, which gives rise to red hair and pale skin in humans, was more active in some Neanderthals than in others. This suggests that some Neanderthals may have also had pale skin and red hair.

The other statements are not entirely true. While the Neanderthal genome is not identical to human DNA, it is actually about 99.7% similar. While the FOXP2 gene has been linked to speech in humans, the differences in the Neanderthal version of the gene do not necessarily mean they were unable to speak. And while there may be some genetic differences between humans and Neanderthals due to point mutations, this does not mean there are no unique human DNA sequences.

Which Statement Comparing the Human and Neanderthal Genomes Is True