What is significant about mitochondrial DNA in human evolution studies?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is significant in human evolution studies primarily because it is inherited maternally, meaning that it is passed down from mothers to their offspring without recombination. This unique inheritance pattern allows scientists to trace maternal lineage through generations, effectively mapping out the ancestry of populations and individual lineages. Furthermore, by analyzing variations in mtDNA, researchers can assess human migration patterns over time, providing insights into how different human populations have interacted and dispersed across the globe.

The ability to trace maternal lineage and migration is particularly crucial in understanding the origins of modern humans. By studying the mutations found in mtDNA, scientists have been able to construct phylogenetic trees that illustrate the relationships between contemporary populations and ancient human groups. This aspect of mtDNA analysis creates a clearer picture of human evolutionary history, including migration routes out of Africa and subsequent dispersal to other continents.

While the other options touch upon various aspects of genetic studies, they do not focus specifically on the unique power of mtDNA in tracing lineage and migration patterns. For instance, while mtDNA does track mutations, it does so in a limited way compared to nuclear DNA and is not designed for comprehensive genome mapping. Understanding physical traits of ancient humans involves a broader range of genetic information