Studies in Knockout Mice Have Demonstrated an Important Role of the FOXP2

question 15

Multiple Choice

Studies in knockout mice have demonstrated an important role of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the development of vocalizations. Recent sequence comparisons of the FOXP2 gene in Neanderthals and modern humans show that while the DNA sequence may be different, the protein sequence it codes for is identical. Which of the following conclusions might logically be inferred from this information?

• A) Because different DNA sequences cannot result in the same protein sequence Neanderthals must have used a different variant of the genetic code.
• B) Because there were differences in DNA sequence the hypothesis that Neanderthals were primitive beings that had not developed language is supported.
• C) Because the FOXP2 protein sequences were identical, human and Neanderthal vocalizations may have been more similar than previously thought.
• D) Because mice containing the "humanized" FOXP2 gene vocalized differently, mice and humans likely diverged more recently than previously thought.

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Definitions:

Locus of Causality

Refers to the perceived source of control over events or outcomes, whether internal (within an individual) or external (outside forces or circumstances).

Attribution

The process by which individuals explain the causes of behavior and events.

Capable of Performing

The ability or competency to carry out tasks or fulfill roles effectively.

Dimension of an Attribution

The aspects considered when evaluating the cause of behavior, typically including locus (internal vs. external), stability, and controllability.