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By identifying ‘living fossils’ in modern speech, some researchers are arguing that human language evolved slowly through a ‘survival of the wittiest’. The theory suggests verbal humour was sexually selected over physical fighting, using visual brain regions to build the foundation of complex modern grammar
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Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the theory that human language evolved through a 'survival of the wittiest' mechanism, and its implications for our understanding of linguistic development.
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Some researchers are arguing that human language evolved slowly through which theory?
The 'survival of the wittiest' theory suggests that verbal humour was sexually selected over physical fighting, leading to the evolution of complex modern grammar.
Researchers have identified which term in modern speech?
Researchers have identified 'living fossils' in modern speech, referring to linguistic features that have survived through evolution.
The theory suggests verbal humour was sexually selected using which brain regions?
The theory suggests that verbal humour was sexually selected using visual brain regions to build the foundation of complex modern grammar.
Consider the following statements regarding Survival of the Wittiest Theory: 1. Human language evolved slowly through a 'survival of the wittiest' theory. 2. Verbal humour was sexually selected over physical fighting, using visual brain regions to build complex modern grammar. 3. The theory suggests that humans developed language solely for the purpose of poetry and song. How many of the above statements are correct?
Statement 1 is correct because it accurately reflects the 'survival of the wittiest' theory. Statement 2 is also correct as it explains how verbal humour was selected over physical fighting using visual brain regions to build complex modern grammar. However, statement 3 is incorrect as there is no evidence in the fact list that humans developed language solely for poetry and song.