Stuff You Should Know Where Did Human Intelligence Come From?
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Jul 26, 2022 Explore the fascinating origins of human intelligence and the evolutionary journey from our ape ancestors. Discover the cultural burst during the Upper Paleolithic era that shaped cognitive abilities. Delve into the surprising relationship between brain size and intelligence. Learn about brain plasticity's role in adaptability and creativity. Uncover how bipedalism, cooking, and even psychedelics influenced our cognitive development. Plus, enjoy humorous tales and bonding experiences from hikers on the Appalachian Trail!
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Homo Sapiens
- Homo sapiens, or modern humans, evolved about 300,000 years ago.
- Humans are part of the hominin family, which includes other genuses.
Bipedalism's Advantages
- Bipedalism, or walking upright, is a defining characteristic of hominins.
- It's theorized bipedalism helped hominins survive climate change by enabling them to find new food sources and shelters.
Birth Canal and Brain Growth
- A smaller birth canal, a consequence of bipedalism, led to babies being born with unfused skulls, allowing for greater brain growth.
- While brain size doesn't solely determine intelligence, it allows for more connections, which form the basis of intellect.