Probability, Populations, Phylogenetics, and Hominin Speciation

A number of recent articles have appeared on the hominin Denisova fossil remains. Many them focus attempts to produce DNA sequences from extracted samples. Often these project mitochondrial (mtDNA) fossils a Neandertals and Denisovans in an attempt understand evolution Middle Pleistocene human ancestors. These introduce problems interpretation speciation hominins. One concerns degradation ancient its as authentic genetic information. Another problem ideas “species” versus “population” use building evolutionary diagrams indicate ancestry extinction. third issue theory haplotypes mtDNA. Given severe constraints mutations mtDNA genome maintain functionality purifying processes reduce such ovaries, putative geographic historical variations seem contradictory. Local diversity supposed “macrohaplotypes” are explained back migrations or mutations, which dilutes robust nature theory. central involves what variation means, how much population there has been past, whether this distinguishes hominid is simply process anagenesis. This brings up question can be interpreted analysis DNA. Some businesses today claim able discover past ethnic identities, new niche restaurants producing “DNA” menus. Perhaps some caution order.