Language
evolution in context
Eight key transition events in the history of life on
Earth
(Maynard Smith & Szathmáry 1995):
1.Replicating molecules → Populations of molecules
2.Independent replicators → Chromosomes
3.RNA → DNA
4.Prokaryotes → Eukaryotes
5.Asexual clones → Sexual populations
6.Protists → Animals, plants and fungi
7.Solitary individuals → Colonies
8.Primate societies → Human societies
(Language)
Each transition involves an increase in the complexity of
the mechanisms
of information transmission. Language is a new kind of evolutionary
system.