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The Ādam Paradox Hypothesis
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HAR1 — Accelerated Cortex
A noncoding RNA shaping neocortical layering.
Nearly identical in chickens and chimps, but 18 substitutions in humans
within 6 Myr — staggering acceleration (Pollard et al., 2006).
Katie Pollard concluded:
“HAR1 is one of the most rapidly evolving regions in the genome. Its role in cortical
development makes it a strong candidate for influencing uniquely human cognition.
”
(Pollard et al., 2006, p. 162)
Other Refinements
MCPH1: regulates brain size and neuronal proliferation (Evans et al.,
2005).
ASPM: cortical growth and complexity (Mekel-Bobrov et al., 2005).
ARHGAP11B: human-specific duplication driving neocortical expansion
(Florio et al., 2015).
Together, these refinements scaffolded the human genome into a pottery clay
structure: a system capable of enduring, cumulative cognition.
Table 4.1 — Cognitive Genes and Regulatory Regions
