Evolution of Human Intelligence

Physical Versus Cultural Cognition

This project examines two hypotheses for the evolution of larger

brains in the anscestors of modern humans. Nervous tissue is biologically
expensive to build and maintain; a species can only evolve large brains when
specific pressures provide increased survivability and reproductive capacity for
this change. This study looks at two hypotheses for these benefits in early hominids.
Physical Intelligence The first of these, the “Physical Intelligence Hypothesis,” argues that an increased Cultural Intelligence
Hypothesis brain mass allowed our anscestors better food, shelter, and survival skills. The Hypothesis
second, the “Cultural Intelligence Hypothesis” argues that the benefits of this change
This hypothesis argues that instead came from the complex social environment of these primates. This hypothesis argues that
the unique intellectual human intelligence evolved
If the “distinctively human” brain structure was formed through social pressures,
capabilities possessed by human brains will have socio-cognitive abilities lacked by even our nearest relitives.
primarily to take advantage
modern humans evolved in This implies that even at an age at which the physical intelligence of humans and of the complex social
hominids in reaction to other primates is comparable, the human brain will possess unique social skills. system in which primates
external physical live. Social intelligence
Several hundred human children--with an average age of two--were compared
challanges with which with a similar sample size of chimpanzee, our nearest living relitive, in a number of
includes communication
increased cognitive ability tests designed to seperate social and physical cognition. The study also included a skills and a ‘theory of
provided great benefit. smaller number of orangutans, a more distantly related primate. The results are mind,’ the understanding of
shown below. another as a thinking being
Many activities necessary
for survival and and the interpretation of
reproduction are made Physical Cognition Tests Social Cognition Tests their actions within this
100%
more efficient with Correct
framework. These skills
increased cognitive skill; Answers increase survivability by
spacial intelligence and 80% allowing an individual to
memory in particular allow learn from others, as well
more access to food and 60% as communicating and
reduced exposure to coordinating more
threats. effectively.
40%
Tests for physical Tests for social intelligence
intelligence included include learning from
counting, memory, 20% example, interpreting
Human Chimpanzee Orangutan Human Chimpanzee Orangutan
approximation, and use of Toddler Toddler intentions of actions, and
simple tools. 0% gesture communication.

These results show that even at an age where

physical cognition is comparible to other great apes,
human children possess unique social abilities not
seen in other primates. This provides strong
evidence for the Cultural Intelligence Hypothesis.

Herrmann, Esther, Josep Call, Maria V. Hernàndez-Lloreda, Brian Hare, and Michael Tomasello.
Humans Have Evolved Specialized Skills of Social Cognition: The Cultural Intelligence Evan Amundson
Hypothesis. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 7 Sept. 2007. Web. 10 Apr. May 1st, 2011
2011. Sex, Science and the Victorian Body