Exploring the Genetic Tapestry: From Mendel to DNA

Heredity is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring, encoded in genes. Each human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, hosting the genome that influences our inherited characteristics.

Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments formulated the laws of inheritance, introducing dominant and recessive traits. His work laid the groundwork for modern genetics, yet was only recognized decades later.

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule carrying genetic instructions. Its unique double helix structure, discovered by Watson and Crick, enables replication and the coding of proteins essential for life.

Evolution is the process of change in living organisms over generations. Natural selection, a key mechanism, was illuminated by Charles Darwin's observations, highlighting 'survival of the fittest'.

Mutations are random changes in genetic sequences. While often neutral or harmful, some can provide advantages, increasing an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, thereby contributing to evolution.

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise. Allopatric speciation, for instance, occurs due to physical separation of populations that eventually evolve into distinct species.

Humans share a common ancestor with chimpanzees, diverging roughly six million years ago. Astonishingly, modern humans (Homo sapiens) coexisted with other hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans before becoming Earth's dominant hominin.