...In a recent lecture, the Oxford neurobiologist argued that a mutation in the brain of a single human being 200,000 years ago turned intellectually able apemen into a super-intelligent species that would conquer the world. In short, Homo sapiens is a genetic accident.
Most scientists believe we achieved our intellectual status through gradual evolution. Blakemore's intervention will therefore come as a surprise and an upset, although this will not faze the provocative 66-year-old.
Apparently the headline writer is a genetic throwback to his smaller brained ancestors. Just because it was a genetic accident doesn't mean it wasn't evolution. In fact, the theory of evolution is that all genetic changes are random of which a few are beneficial and provide a significant increase in the chances to survive and breed, while others are detriments to survival and breeding. The first type pass their genes to their offspring while the second type are genetic dead ends who don't have offspring. Evolution does not require small changes. Some are going to be very big ones in one generation if they offspring are much, much better at survival than those who don't have the mutation.
Another significant gene change was the introduction of the white gene in our ancestors moving north from Africa. This enabled them to survive the lack of sunshine in Ice Age Europe and successfully compete reproductively with the Neanderthals.