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Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
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Archaeological evidence for thinking about possibilities in hominin evolution.

Michelle C Langley1,2, Thomas Suddendorf3

  • 1Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University, Brisbane, 4111 Queensland, Australia.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|October 31, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Human evolution was shaped by the ability to think about the future, evidenced by tool use and material culture. Archaeological findings reveal distinct transitions in foresight capabilities over millions of years.

Keywords:
cognitionforesightforward planninghuman evolutionstorytelling

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The capacity for foresight is a key human trait influencing evolution.
  • Understanding the timeline of foresight development is crucial for human cognitive evolution studies.

Approach:

  • Review of archaeological evidence for behavioral indicators of foresight.
  • Analysis of tool retention, material transport, technical and social changes, and symbolic behavior.

Key Points:

  • Earliest signs of foresight (tool retention, material transport) date back to 1.8 million years ago (Ma).
  • Advancements in foresight indicated by technical and social changes appeared around 0.5 Ma.
  • Increased reliance on material culture and symbolic communication (storytelling) emerged from 140,000 years ago and 50,000 years ago, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct evolutionary transitions in foresight capacity are evident in the archaeological record.
  • Taphonomy and sampling biases may affect our understanding of cognitive evolution timelines.
  • Foresight played a critical role in human behavioral evolution, technological innovation, and social complexity.