All the biological instructions for making an organism are contained in a long molecule called DNA.

All living things, from humans and mice to plants and bacteria, have a unique set of instructions written in the four chemical letters of DNA: A, C, G, and T. It’s like a recipe book but written in code. Sequence of the DNA code is now central to study of human evolution.

Genome sequences tell us how we differ genetically from other apes, and from one another. Small differences in the DNA code can alter the outcome of the instruction, like giving some people brown eyes and other people blue eyes.

These differences are known as genetic variation. It is this variation that makes us all unique, whether in terms of hair colour, skin colour or the shape of our faces.

Researching DNA and comparing lots of genomes helps us to identify where there are differences in our genomes and what effects these differences may have on physical characteristics and our health.

Using sequences from diverse present-day people, as well as ancient DNA of our ancestors, we will see how a rare African ape expanded over the whole world, constantly splitting into different populations, and then mixed again with whoever they met without prejudice.

We will look at the DNA pattern and try to understand how our past migrations and evolutionary history shaped our genetic diversity globally and in the British Isles. This activity demonstrates the concept of genetic variation within a population. It encourages participants to investigate some variable physical characteristics and consider if they are the result of genetic variation.

You will learn how differences in the DNA code can have an impact on our appearance, from our taste perception to earwax type.

If you are interested in booking this talk, please get in touch with us at info@takdaja.com

Talk History

21.05.2023 - London LGBTQ+ Community Centre