| Language evolution in
context |
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| Eight key
transition events in the history of life on Earth |
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| (Maynard Smith
& Szathmáry 1995): |
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| 1. | Replicating
molecules → Populations
of molecules |
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| 2. | Independent
replicators → Chromosomes |
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| 3. | RNA
→ DNA |
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| 4. | Prokaryotes
→ Eukaryotes |
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| 5. | Asexual
clones → Sexual
populations |
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| 6. | Protists
→ Animals, plants and
fungi |
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| 7. | Solitary
individuals → Colonies |
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| 8. | Primate
societies → Human
societies (Language) |
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