Confrontational scavenging as a possible source for language and cooperation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>The emergence of language and the high degree of cooperation found among humans seems to require more than a straightforward enhancement of primate traits. Some triggering episode unique to human ancestors was likely necessary. Here it is argued that confrontatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Szathmáry Eörs, Bickerton Derek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2011-09-01
Series:BMC Evolutionary Biology
Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/11/261
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>The emergence of language and the high degree of cooperation found among humans seems to require more than a straightforward enhancement of primate traits. Some triggering episode unique to human ancestors was likely necessary. Here it is argued that confrontational scavenging was such an episode. Arguments for and against an established confrontational scavenging niche are discussed, as well as the probable effects of such a niche on language and co-operation. Finally, several possible directions for future research are suggested.</p>
ISSN:1471-2148