The placenta arose during mammalian evolution, which is recent in evolutionary terms. Genetic changes underlying placental development remain identifiable by the new science of comparative genomics (approximately post‐2000). Randomly arising features of genomes including endogenous retroviruses and transposable elements have provided structural genes and gene‐regulatory motifs responsible for innovations in placental biology. Stochastic genetic events indeed contribute to new functionality. Theologically, random mutations are part of the strategy by which the divine purpose for humanity is attained. Placental function critically underlies human brain development, and suboptimal function, associated with environmental conditions and maternal distress, contributes to mental health deficits in the offspring. Many enter life with handicaps arising from contingent events in utero, mandating understanding, compassion, and socioemotional support, imperatives native to moral including biblical values. The extended period of development afforded by placentation enables prenatal parenting, with implications for sensitive and devoted parental commitment.

中文翻译：

---

令人惊叹的胎盘：人类的进化和生命线

胎盘在哺乳动物进化期间出现，这在进化方面是最近的。比较基因组学的新科学仍然可以确定胎盘发育的遗传变化（大约在2000年后）。基因组的随机产生的特征包括内源性逆转录病毒和转座因子提供了负责胎盘生物学创新的结构基因和基因调控基序。随机遗传事件确实有助于新的功能。从神学上讲，随机突变是实现人类神圣目的的策略的一部分。胎盘功能是人类大脑发育的关键基础，与环境条件和产妇困扰相关的功能欠佳会导致后代的心理健康缺陷。在宫内，要求理解，同情心和社会情感支持，这是道德本能的要求，包括圣经价值观。胎盘孕育提供的延长的发育期使产前育儿成为可能，这对敏感和奉献的父母承诺产生了影响。