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The salivary amylase gene (AMY1) is present in two diploid copies in chimpanzees. Humans are known to have between 6-15 copies, an adaptation that is thought to be related to the high-starch diet of humans. This difference among humans is an example of:_______.

User TimLer
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Evolution and Natural Selection

Step-by-step explanation:

Salivary amylase gene (AMY1) copy number is correlated positively with salivary amylase protein levels, and that individuals from populations with high-starch diets have on average more AMY1 copies than those with traditionally low-starch diets. Higher AMY1 copy numbers and protein levels likely improve the digestion of starchy foods, and may buffer against the fitness-reducing effects of intestinal disease.

Chimpanzees did not feed much on starchy food and thus had only diploid copies of AMY1 gene. However, humans have 6-15 copies of AMY1 gene because of high consumption of starchy food. Therefore, as the evolution of chimpanzees occured, humans adapted itself to what changes in their habitat.

User Sandeep Rana
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