WASHINGTON — New research indicates the Y chromosome — the thing that makes a man male — is evolving far faster than the rest of the human genetic code.
A new study comparing the Y chromosomes from humans and chimpanzees show that they are about 30 percent different. That is far greater than the 2 percent difference between the rest of the human genetic code and that of the chimp’s, according to a study published online Wednesday in the journal Nature. These changes occurred in the past 6 million years or so, relatively recent for evolution.
Before men get too impressed with themselves, lead author Jennifer Hughes offers some words of caution: Just because the Y chromosome, which determines gender, is evolving at a speedy rate doesn’t necessarily mean men themselves are more evolved.
