Mitochondrial Eve and the Results of Speciation

Mitochondrial Eve is the ancestor of all living humans. We know this because of the existence of mitochondrial DNA which is only passed on through the mothers DNA. She is thought to have like about 200,000 years ago in east Africa. Despite all of us sharing a common ancestor, as a species people have diverged greatly each other in appearance. This speciation is a result of environmental factors. As people spread across the globe they found themselves in many different climates and circumstances. Thanks to our ability to adapt to our surroundings the human species populated many different areas around the Earth and thus developed physical features that would help them to be better suited for their surroundings. Here are some interesting examples of human speciation...

1. Swedish People

With fair skin and blonde hair that reflects their settlement in northern Europe. The Swedish people have been relatively isolated as race over the years and thus their are some diseases that have been perpetuated within the culture due to the smaller relative genetic pool. Here is a link to an article in a  medical journal that examines the occurrences of cancer among Swedish and Finnish populations: Finnish and Swedish genotypes and risk of cancer in Sweden

2. Kenyans

Darker skin and longer legs of the people of Kenya are a result of the sunny climate and open flat land of the region. Although it has been thought by many that their success as a people in athletic events involving running is due to genetic advantages as a race recent studies have shown that there is no genetic advantage for running that exists among Kenyans. This link explains what research has been done: What makes Kenyans superior runners? It's not the genes.

3. Inuits

The Inuit are the indigenous people of Alaska and parts of Canada. Their features resemble those of Asian peoples suggesting their migration from that continent in ancient times. Some have theorized that they share genetic traits with Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and other native peoples for a predisposition to obesity and diabetes after being exposed to Western diets. Follow this link to learn more: Thrifty gene hypothesis

4. Ainu

The Ainu are the native peoples of Hokkaido, and island just north of Japan. They resemble the Japanese people in some ways but as a people they are unique to Asia and more closely resemble the Native American people and Inuits of the North American continent. Unlike the Japanese, they can grow large beards and thick facial hair much like their Russian neighbors to the north. To learn more about the Ainu and their culture, follow this link: Ainu language discussion. Follow this link for an interesting story about possible Ainu remains in the United States: Kennewick man discovery.

5. The Turkish Family that Walks on All Fours

In southern Turkey, a family has been discovered that suffers from a genetic mutation that appears to have erased years of evolution. Members of this family are unable to travel on two legs, instead they move about on their hands and feet much like our evolutionary ancestors may have. Follow this link to learn more about this unique occurrence: The family that walks on all fours.