Abstract

Infections, immunity and anthropogenesis

Author(s): Sergey N.Rumyantsev

The presented investigation revealed for the first time the creative function of infections and inherent immunity on initial (molecular) stages of anthropogenesis. This approach allows explain the extraordinariness of both intensification of natural selection among primates and subsequent tens-fold acceleration of human evolution during Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs. Its results provide a new perspective upon both the molecular timing of the preceding evolution of Homo sapiens, and the evolutionary significance ofmodern epidemics. In addition, this perspective includes a revision of both the strategy and routine praxis of protective medicine.