This study suggests that the DUF1220 may be the cause of evolution of brain size.
I think that a question equally if not more fascinating is why this mutation (increased brain size) gave enough survival advantage that it propagated through the generations.
Some have suggested that, in the hunter-gatherer world of our distant ancestors a larger brain size gave an individual an advantage in a highly social animal, perhaps using rudimentary language. In other words, smarter hominids were better at "chatting up" cave-women and so spread their genes. This would make the large brain a sort of "peacocks tail" with, at that time, no other purpose (yes I know evolution has no "purpose" but you know what I mean).
Agriculture, animal husbandry, writing, technology, etc. could all be just unforseeable side effects of this "peacocks tail".
We may never know what the truth of these matters are unless someone invents a time machine, but I like the idea of chatting up cave women. That's my regular Saturday night.
Regards
Grimesy
I think that a question equally if not more fascinating is why this mutation (increased brain size) gave enough survival advantage that it propagated through the generations.
Some have suggested that, in the hunter-gatherer world of our distant ancestors a larger brain size gave an individual an advantage in a highly social animal, perhaps using rudimentary language. In other words, smarter hominids were better at "chatting up" cave-women and so spread their genes. This would make the large brain a sort of "peacocks tail" with, at that time, no other purpose (yes I know evolution has no "purpose" but you know what I mean).
Agriculture, animal husbandry, writing, technology, etc. could all be just unforseeable side effects of this "peacocks tail".
We may never know what the truth of these matters are unless someone invents a time machine, but I like the idea of chatting up cave women. That's my regular Saturday night.
Regards
Grimesy
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. — Edward Gibbon
