Experiments have been done to create genetically modified mice with the ‘human’ version of the FOXP2 protein, but with all other genes being the normal ‘mouse’ versions. Of course, these ‘humanized’ mice don’t end up with anything like human language. But it does affect their pattern of brain development. Their squeaks end up rather different, and by some measures more complex. They also seem to be able to switch more easily between conscious and unconscious learning, as tested by the ability to solve certain types of maze. *
