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An Unusual Ape: The Deep Origins of Our Human Oddities ~ Dean Falk

On Humans

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The Evolution of Hominin Brains

This chapter explores the development of hominin brains, particularly focusing on Australopithecus africanus and its organization compared to Paranthropus. It challenges the notion that brain size evolution began solely in the Stone Age, instead suggesting earlier changes due to limited fossil records. The chapter also discusses the 'radiator theory' and the serendipitous nature of evolutionary adaptations, such as bipedalism, in supporting cognitive growth through thermal regulation and energy demands.

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