Yes, evidence suggests all human populations are derived from a common ancestor. Key supporting points include a shared human species, high genetic similarity, and a common evolutionary history.
Here’s a more detailed look at the evidence:
1. Shared Species:
All humans belong to the same species, Homo sapiens.
This means all humans can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
2. Genetic Similarity:
Humans share 99.9% of their DNA.
This high degree of genetic similarity strongly indicates a common ancestor.
While there are genetic variations between populations, these variations are much less significant than those between different species.
3. Evolutionary History:
Evolutionary studies suggest all humans originated in Africa and subsequently migrated to other parts of the world.
The migration patterns and genetic variations observed in human populations are consistent with a common ancestor and subsequent diversification.
4. Other Similarities:
Humans share a common body plan, structure, physiology, and metabolism.
They have the same number of chromosomes (46).
Other similarities include body hair, metabolism, brain size, and locomotion.