"Two tiny changes in the sequence of one gene could have helped install the mechanisms of speech and language in humans. Experiments have now revealed that the human version of FOXP2, which has two different amino acids compared with the version carried by chimps, has differing effects on genes in the brains of the two species. These differences could affect how the brain develops, and so explain why only humans are capable of language. The study also lends weight to the idea that language didn't evolve from scratch. It "depended on the retuning of genetic pathways present in non-verbal ancestors, rather than the appearance of completely novel mechanisms", says Simon Fisher." \\ Konopka, G. et al. Nature 462, 213-217 (2009) http://www.nature.com/nature... - Adriano from Bookmarklet

There's an awful lot of utter bollocks written about FOXP2. It isn't a "gene for language" any more than any other "gene for X" hype-fests. Bit of history here: http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl... - Andrew Clegg

interesting counter-point: "No-one should imagine that the development of language relied exclusively on a single mutation in FOXP2. They are many other changes that enable speech. Not least of these are profound anatomical changes that make the human supralarygeal pathway entirely different from any other mammal. The larynx has descended so that it provides a resonant column for speech (but, as an unfortunate side-effect, predisposes humans to choking on food). Also, the nasal cavity can be closed thus preventing vowels from being nasalised and thus increasing their comprehensibility." http://www.evolutionpages.com/FOXP2_l... - Adriano