Genome Chapter 2- Species

This chapter of Genome begins by explaining how people had mistaken the human genome to have 24 chromosomes. Later studies have shown that humans have only 23 chromosomes due to the fact that Chromosome 2  is actually the fusion of two medium sized chromosomes. Chromosome has been subject to much speculation, with some believing that at some part of the chromosome near the centromere lies the code that creates the human soul. The chapter further explores the slight difference in genes that exists between humans and chimps, with only about a 2% difference in the genes. At some point in time a population of chimpanzees was isolated and a genetic mutation occurred. This mutation created a new species, hence the chapter title, and prevented the new species from breeding with the chimps. Ridley concludes the chapter pondering at the possibility that genes have some sort of influence over behavior. He explains that in the end he isn't sure how genes can play a role in behavior but he is open to the possibility that genes are not constrained to only determining anatomy.