Long-term gene-culture coevolution and the human evolutionary transition

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Anthropology
• Sociology

Background:

• The concept of an evolutionary transition in individuality (ETI) for humans is debated.
• The interplay between genes and culture in long-term human evolution (gene-culture coevolution - GCC) is not well understood.
• Existing theories propose either genes or culture as the primary driver of human evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature and evidence on long-term gene-culture coevolution (GCC) in humans.
• To investigate the role of culture in human evolution and its impact on individuality.
• To explore the potential for an ongoing transition in the human inheritance system.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence on human gene-culture coevolution.
• Analysis of adaptive potential and evolutionary impact of genetic versus cultural inheritance.
• Examination of the role of culturally organized groups in recent human history.

Main Results:

• Culture possesses greater adaptive potential than genetic inheritance and is likely the primary driver of human evolution.
• The evolutionary influence of culture is increasingly mediated through culturally organized groups.
• Culture's role is expanding, potentially bypassing genetic evolution and diminishing genetic adaptive potential.

Conclusions:

• Human long-term gene-culture coevolution (GCC) is characterized by a transition in inheritance from genes to culture.
• This transition in inheritance signifies a shift in individuality from the genetic individual to the cultural group.
• Future research on GCC should prioritize investigating the ongoing transition in the human inheritance system.