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Episode 147 - Genetics

The Common Descent Podcast

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Is the Loss of the Vocal Membranes a Factor in Language Composition?

Our increased complexity in language is due to a decreased complexity in ourlarynx. The lack of those structures has allowed us to have more fine tuned and more consistent noise control over the sounds we make. Which makes me wonder if those features are important in other primates for the way that they communicate. Does that allow them to do something with their voice that we can't do, but which would get in the way of the speech as we do it? Absolutely. They didn't say anything as to what the vocal membranes might be, how they might be benefiting, but that they seem to be the culprit for the distinction.

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