Uncovering the Genetic Basis of Human Tail-Loss Evolution
Scientists have discovered that the loss of tails in humans and great apes can be traced back to a genetic sequence called Alu element, previously dismissed as junk DNA, which inserted itself into the TBXT gene associated with tail length. This discovery challenges previous hypotheses and sheds light on the genetic mechanism behind taillessness. The findings may also have implications for understanding neural tube defects and other developmental shifts in early hominoids.