Evolution: a different view (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Thursday, May 07, 2015, 09:12 (3488 days ago) @ David Turell

Dhw: if you define language as signs, sounds, movements etc. used as means of communication, your whole theory becomes highly problematical. All living creatures have language, right down to bacteria, and you have no idea what sort of sounds were used for communication when the changes took place in the larynx, palate and uvula.
> 
> Not problematical. If you read McCrone's book, you would understand the logic of my statements. The anatomic adaptations for modern speech came long before language of any simple kind involving words, not grunts, evolved.
> 
> > 
> > My point here is that whenever the changes took place, we simply have no idea whether they were or were not used to create more complex sounds to allow greater breadth of communication. Once again, I don't see how you can asssume they hung around doing nothing for (hundreds of) thousands of years.
> 
> I am depending upon the book by McCrone and the fact that Tattersall points this out as exaptation. I'm quoting experts, not me. -
So, what evidence is there that these anatomic adaptations for modern speech came long before language of any simple kind? Have we found a human with and one without vocal chords? Do we have some kind of historical record of WHEN language developed?

--
What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.