The assertion that there was no evolution in human ancestry on the
Y-chromosome was known to be false prior to the time the above quotation was
written. There are 16 known haplotypes from other locations reported in an
article written in 1989. (See G. Lucotte, "Evidence for the Paternal Ancestry
of Modern Humans: Evidence from a Y- Chromosome Specific Sequence Polymorphic
DNA Probe," in Paul Mellars and Chris Stringer, The Human Revolution,
(Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1989),p. 41)
While the data reported by Ross, was originally from Dorit, Akashi, and
Gilbert,"Absence of Polymorphism at the ZFY Locus on the Human Y chromosome",
Science 268, pp 1183-1185, subsequent reports have indicated major problems
with Ross's use of that piece of information.
I ran into the following information concerning the ZFY location.
"These results are not inconsistent with a recent sequencing survey of
the third intron of the Zfy gene that revealed complete monomorphism. when
the HKA test is applied (in comparisons with both mtDNA and [beta]-globin),
the null hypothesis is not rejected. However, the unusually low level of
divergence between human and chimpanzee Zfy introns (a nearly threefold lower
D value compared with the YAP locus) makes this region uninformative for
inferring human population history."~Michael F. Hammer, "A Recent Common
Ancestry for Human Y Chromosomes," Nature, 378, Nov. 23, 1995, p. 377.
The question I have is "Would anyone bet a steak dinner that this data, (the
lack of variation between Chimp and Human ZFY's) will be given
the same prominence as the initial report within the next year?"
The reason I ask this is because I don't believe it will be mentioned, much
less given the prominence such counter information should be given in light
of the influence of the particular organization involved. I am making this
prediction about the future use or lack there of based upon past experience
with Christian organizations. I have seen this happen many times, data which
supports our position given prominent display and refutations not mentioned.
Assuming that I am ultimately correct in my prediction, several questions can
be asked. Is this the ethical thing to do? What does this look like to
non-believers? Why do we fail to be straightforward with our problems?
Any takers on my bet?
glenn