3/21 Lecture - Evolution of Language

Question 1

Language:

Answer 1

System using abstract symbol’s to represent meaning

                - Spoken language
                - Sign language
                - Written language

Question 2

Speech:

Answer 2

The vocal sounds typically used by humans to convey a message

Question 3

Language Precursors - 3 Main Hypothesis for Primate language precursor *

Answer 3

1) Gestures
2) Facial gestures/expressions
3) Vocalizations

Question 4

Vocal Precursor:

Answer 4

Primates use syntax(order) and reference(meaning) but cannot copy novel sounds due to anatomy

Question 5

Culture:

Answer 5

Behavior pattern shared by members of community that relies on social or transmitted information

Question 6

Gene-culture Coevolution

Answer 6

Occurs when cultural evolution shapes genetic evolution

Question 7

2 inheritance systems*

Answer 7

1) Genes
2) culture
p. s. culture influences phenotype

Question 8

social intelligence hypothesis:

Answer 8

complex cognition and enlarged “executive brains” evolved in response to challenges that are associated with social complexity

Question 9

extracted foods:

Answer 9

complicated, carefully coordinated techniques to process hard to access foods

Question 10

neocortex:

Answer 10

the part of the brain most closely associated with problem solving and behavioral flexibility

Question 11

neocortex ratio:

Answer 11

the ratio between the volume of the neocortex and the volume of the rest of the brain

animals living in larger groups have larger neocortex ratios than animals living in smaller groups

Question 12

third-party relationships:

Answer 12

knowledge of the nature of relationships among other individuals

Question 13

redirected aggression

Answer 13

When threatened or attacked, respond by threatening or attacking a lower-ranking individual who was not involved in the original incident