Ancient humans evolved to be better teachers as technology advanced

An in-depth analysis spanning over 3 million years of human evolution unveils a fascinating correlation between the development of communication and technology. It appears that as ancient humans innovated more advanced stone tools and other technologies, they also honed their communication and teaching abilities to effectively transmit these new skills to future generations, thereby fueling further technological advancements.

Francesco d’Errico from the University of Bordeaux in France explains, “We have a scenario for the evolution of the mode of cultural transmission in human evolution. It appears to be a co-evolution, between the complexity of the cultural trait and the complexity in the mode of cultural transmission.”

Humans have distinguished themselves by creating increasingly complex tools and behaviors. From crafting sharp stones for cutting to hafting spears, our ability to pass on these skills to others has been pivotal. The evolution of language played a crucial role in this process, especially in the intricate teachings required for activities like playing musical instruments or mastering sophisticated technologies.

Collaborating with Ivan Colagè from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy, d’Errico delved into the evolution of cultural transmission alongside changing behaviors and technologies over 3.3 million years. They identified 103 cultural traits, such as specific stone tools, ornaments, pigments, and mortuary practices, to trace the timeline of their regular appearance in the archaeological record.

Assessing the complexity of learning associated with each trait, they categorized skills into varying levels of difficulty, from simple actions like using stone hammers to intricate processes like burial practices that necessitated detailed verbal explanations. The study focused on spatial, temporal, and social aspects of learning, shedding light on how information was shared and acquired.

The research indicates two significant shifts in cultural transmission. Around 600,000 years ago, ancient humans began actively teaching each other, potentially through gestures, coinciding with advancements like hafting. Subsequently, between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, the development of modern language became imperative for complex behaviors like burials, which involved multiple steps and explanations.

Ceri Shipton from University College London notes, “The link between cultural transmission and cultural complexity is robust.” While uncertainties persist regarding the timeline of language development in humans, the study’s estimates provide a reasonable timeframe for the evolution of communication and technology in tandem.