Michael Vaill, Kunio Kawanishi, Nissi Varki, Pascal Gagneux, Ajit Varki
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Anthropogeny is a classic term encompassing transdisciplinary investigations of the origins of the human species. Comparative anthropogeny is a systematic comparison of humans and other living nonhuman hominids (so-called "great apes"), aiming to identify distinctly human features in health and disease, with the overall goal of explaining human origins. We begin with a historical perspective, briefly describing how the field progressed from the earliest evolutionary insights to the current emphasis on in-depth molecular and genomic investigations of "human-specific" biology and an increased appreciation for cultural impacts on human biology. While many such genetic differences between humans and other hominids have been revealed over the last two decades, this information remains insufficient to explain the most distinctive phenotypic traits distinguishing humans from other living hominids. Here we undertake a complementary approach of "comparative physiological anthropogeny," along the lines of the preclinical medical curriculum, i.e., beginning with anatomy and considering each physiological system and in each case considering genetic and molecular components that are relevant. What is ultimately needed is a systematic comparative approach at all levels from molecular to physiological to sociocultural, building networks of related information, drawing inferences, and generating testable hypotheses. The concluding section will touch on distinctive considerations in the study of human evolution, including the importance of gene-culture interactions.
期刊介绍:
Physiological Reviews is a highly regarded journal that covers timely issues in physiological and biomedical sciences. It is targeted towards physiologists, neuroscientists, cell biologists, biophysicists, and clinicians with a special interest in pathophysiology. The journal has an ISSN of 0031-9333 for print and 1522-1210 for online versions. It has a unique publishing frequency where articles are published individually, but regular quarterly issues are also released in January, April, July, and October. The articles in this journal provide state-of-the-art and comprehensive coverage of various topics. They are valuable for teaching and research purposes as they offer interesting and clearly written updates on important new developments. Physiological Reviews holds a prominent position in the scientific community and consistently ranks as the most impactful journal in the field of physiology.