BIOLOGY Volume 3 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

26. EVOLUTION, OR THE HISTORY OF LIFE ON EARTH

26.8. Human Evolution

26.8.4. Human Social Behavior

Social behavior has reached a higher level of development in humans than in any other species, extending far beyond The formation of mating pairs and family life to the creation of complex communities such as associations, tribes, clans, and nation-states.

The evolution of human social behavior is closely intertwined with cultural development, both processes becoming structured and regulated by the following factors:

1) the formation of families (monogamous or polygamous);

2) an extended childhood period during which children can acquire the fundamental elements of culture;

3) the increased use of speech for communication;

4) The Development of METABOLISM/2.html">THE CONCEPT OF a home base and the sharing of food;

5) enhanced cooperation in obtaining food;

6) the division of labor based on AGE AND SEX: adult males joined forces for more effective cooperative hunting, while women gathered together to rear children and protect them from dangers;

7) the stabilization of a broader social Structure in which dominance hierarchies were replaced by kinship ties;

8) the expansion of the geographical range, made possible by developing tolerance for less-than-optimal environments;

9) The Use of simple tools and, ultimately, the manufacture of complex ones;

10) the use of fire for working stone and wood, cooking food, and protection against predators;

11) the development of folklore, art, religion, philosophy, science, and technology.

Thus, with the growth of group activities rooted in a shared economic, political, and sexual structure—enriched and sustained by rapid cultural development—core biological needs such as food, sex, and security were met far more effectively.

In essence, it can be said that modern Human Evolution is driven more by cultural advancement than by social behavior alone.