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The Ādam Paradox Hypothesis 62
Yet these are only part of a much wider network:
ARHGAP11B and NOTCH2NL — duplications that expand neural
progenitors, adding cortical neurons and thickness to the neocortex.
MCPH1 and ASPM — brain-size regulators, where mutations cause
microcephaly but evolutionary variants in humans underwent strong
selection.
DUF1220 domains (NBPF gene family) — massively expanded in humans,
with copy number correlating with brain volume and cognitive ability.
CNTNAP2 — a FOXP2 downstream target, fine-tuning synaptic
connectivity for language processing.
HAR2/HACNS1 and other HARs — enhancer sequences driving motor
precision (thumb control, tool use) and cortical wiring.
ZNF558 and zinc-finger transcription factors — orchestrating regulatory
timing of multiple downstream genes.
BOLA2 duplication — providing metabolic and genomic resilience in
neural development.
Figure 8.1: Symbolic Ignition Hierarchy