The absence of tails in apes, a defining feature separating them from monkeys, traces back 25 million years ago when a chance DNA insertion occurred in an ancient ape’s zygote, disrupting a crucial gene called TBXT. This fateful event, reported by New York University scientists, resulted in tail loss across all modern apes. The insertion, hidden in “junk” DNA, affects protein stitching during gene expression, leading to defective TBXT protein production. Experiments on mice embryos confirmed that the defective protein caused tail loss and other developmental issues, shedding light on ape evolution. Though the exact evolutionary advantage remains elusive, this study highlights the remarkable role of genetic accidents in shaping species’ destinies.
Unraveling the Evolutionary Tale of Ape Tails: Insights from the Genome
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