Evolution: a different view (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, May 07, 2015, 15:13 (3487 days ago) @ Balance_Maintained


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> Tony: 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?-McCrone's book describes the major anatomical changes over the millions of years of human evolution. Modern language ability is thought to be about 50,000 years old. But McC describes how H. erectus might have spoken, based on the fossil record. A key point is the drop in the larynx to its much lower position requiring a trap door (epiglottis) to prevent fatal choking. Our view of evolution is that it looks for simple safe solutions. This one created a great danger, and then solved the created problem. As a result we can have very precise complex speech.