Question

The Neanderthal copy of a gene crucial for language (FOXP2) more closely resembles the same gene in chimpanzees than in humans, suggesting Neanderthals did not have language
Select one:
a. True
b. False

Answer 1

Answer:

b. False

Explanation:

FOXP2 gene is required for language and speech development and is present in all animals. It is a transcription factor which encodes for a regulatory protein. Both modern humans and Neanderthals share FOXP2 gene which differs from chimpanzee version by two amino acids. Its the different regulation of the same gene which made modern humans more capable of  using language and speech. Neanderthals did use language rudiments but not completely constructed languages. There might be other speech genes involved too which differed between modern day humans and Neanderthals but not FOXP2.