Lecture 12 Evolution of Intelligence Flashcards
Evolution of cognition
we cant find human cognition in fossils. (fossils are rare as is)
Human History
Oldest fossils of humans are only 50k - 100k years old.
Chomsky says that if language is an instinct it is most likely a byproduct of a long evolutionary product.
Ancestors who didn’t reproduce are our ancestor in the 1st but no the second set.
Australopithecines
Had hands much like ours and are suspected to use tools.
Problems with old tools
Most of the early tools early humans had were biodegradeable.
Most apes today
Share a common ancestor with human
For two species to be the same
They must be able to mate and have children.
Mitochondria
Invaded a species many many years ago, a cell invited different cell not eating it but becoming one while still preserving its own DNA (mitochondrial DNA is in most cases the same as your mother.
Fossils
Fossils are very rare and require the right conditions .
Genes
Most species share the same genes because most cell functions are the same across different species.
Pinkers Vision Theory
Pinkers Vision Theory, because we evolved to see in 3D it changed our mind to think in a more complex way
Group Living Theory
Being part of a group allows the transfer of knowledge and protection, and good social connection, all resulting in an arms race.
Hunting Theory
Humans being carnivores requires us to hunt for meat which is very nutritious, which contributes to our larger brains. Big kills encourage socialization.
Hand/ walking upright theory
The ability to only use two limbs to walk gives us the ability to use hands freely for tools and other things. Allows humans to also carry resources over long distances.
Upright Posture
Causes pressure on the pelvis
Atrociousness
means more infant care by parents, which contributes to more socialization, which intern allows us to adapt to different environments.
