Abstract
Humans are characterized by a distinctive set of traits, including: (1) large brains, (2) long periods of juvenile dependence, (3) extensive biparental care including large transfers of information, (4) multi-generational bi-lateral kin networks, (5) habitual bipedal locomotion, (6) use of the upper limbs for tool use including projectile weapons, (7) concealed or "cryptic" ovulation, (8) menopause, (9) culture including language, and (10) lethal competition among kin-based coalitions. The evolution and co-evolution of this suite of traits presents several evolutionary questions or puzzles that are central to understanding the human family. This chapter describes these puzzles, and suggests a resolution based on the importance of social competition during human evolution. It also considers the developmental issue of how the family social environment may affect the timing of reproductive maturation and how this timing is essential to an understanding of the family.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Family Relationships: An Evolutionary Perspective |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780199786800, 9780195320510 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Biparental care
- Concealed ovulation
- Kin networks
- Reproductive maturation
- Social competition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
Cite this
Evolution of the Human Family : Cooperative Males, Long Social Childhoods, Smart Mothers, and Extended Kin Networks. / Flinn, Mark V.; Quinlan, Robert J.; Coe, Kathryn; Ward, Carol V.
Family Relationships: An Evolutionary Perspective. Oxford University Press, 2007.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
}
TY - CHAP
T1 - Evolution of the Human Family
T2 - Cooperative Males, Long Social Childhoods, Smart Mothers, and Extended Kin Networks
AU - Flinn, Mark V.
AU - Quinlan, Robert J.
AU - Coe, Kathryn
AU - Ward, Carol V.
PY - 2007/9/1
Y1 - 2007/9/1
N2 - Humans are characterized by a distinctive set of traits, including: (1) large brains, (2) long periods of juvenile dependence, (3) extensive biparental care including large transfers of information, (4) multi-generational bi-lateral kin networks, (5) habitual bipedal locomotion, (6) use of the upper limbs for tool use including projectile weapons, (7) concealed or "cryptic" ovulation, (8) menopause, (9) culture including language, and (10) lethal competition among kin-based coalitions. The evolution and co-evolution of this suite of traits presents several evolutionary questions or puzzles that are central to understanding the human family. This chapter describes these puzzles, and suggests a resolution based on the importance of social competition during human evolution. It also considers the developmental issue of how the family social environment may affect the timing of reproductive maturation and how this timing is essential to an understanding of the family.
AB - Humans are characterized by a distinctive set of traits, including: (1) large brains, (2) long periods of juvenile dependence, (3) extensive biparental care including large transfers of information, (4) multi-generational bi-lateral kin networks, (5) habitual bipedal locomotion, (6) use of the upper limbs for tool use including projectile weapons, (7) concealed or "cryptic" ovulation, (8) menopause, (9) culture including language, and (10) lethal competition among kin-based coalitions. The evolution and co-evolution of this suite of traits presents several evolutionary questions or puzzles that are central to understanding the human family. This chapter describes these puzzles, and suggests a resolution based on the importance of social competition during human evolution. It also considers the developmental issue of how the family social environment may affect the timing of reproductive maturation and how this timing is essential to an understanding of the family.
KW - Biparental care
KW - Concealed ovulation
KW - Kin networks
KW - Reproductive maturation
KW - Social competition
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84920449267&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84920449267&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002
DO - 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.003.0002
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:84920449267
SN - 9780199786800
SN - 9780195320510
BT - Family Relationships: An Evolutionary Perspective
PB - Oxford University Press
ER -