Hi all, As you might expect, there are a number of ways of estimating the amount of genetic difference between two populations (species, subspecies, races, etc.). You can look at the genes common to the two populations and look for base-pair substitutions. When you do that for chimps and humans, you find ≈ 98.5% similarity. However, this method doesn't look at other types of differences, such as insertions, deletions, and duplications of DNA segments. When those differences are included, you find something like 95.5% similarity. And other methods provide different estimates.
In addition, differences in regulatory regions will typically have greater effects on phenotypic differences than the effects of differences in protein-coding regions. The complexities get compounded as you consider other issues. It's been a long time since I've done genetic research, and I definitely know little of the many advances over the last 20 years. So all I can say is this: estimating genetic similarities/differences is complex, and it will "hurt your brain real bad" once you start trying to figure it out. :-) Best, Jeff -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffry Ricker, Ph.D. SCC: Professor of Psychology MCCCD: General Studies Faculty Representative PSY 101 Website: http://sccpsy101.wordpress.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scottsdale Community College 9000 E. Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626 Office: SB-123 Phone: (480) 423-6213 Fax: (480) 423-6298 --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=19783 or send a blank email to leave-19783-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
