here's a breakdown of the text, focusing on the key data and its institution:
Main Idea:
The text discusses a study that quantifies the speed of brain and facial evolution in hominids, specifically finding that the human brain and face evolved much faster than those of other great apes and gibbons. This accelerated evolution is linked to the development of complex social structures in humans.
Key Findings & Arguments:
* Accelerated Human Evolution: The human brain evolved twice as fast as other hominids. This study is the first to quantify the speed of evolution in different species.
* Face & Neuroskull Evolution Linked: In humans,the face and neuroskull (braincase) evolved at roughly the same accelerated rate. This is unusual compared to other species where the two don't show such a strong correlation.
* Social Interaction as a Driver: The researchers propose that the rapid evolution of the human face is linked to the demands of social interaction.The face is the primary interface for communication and social bonding.
* selective Pressure: The accelerated evolution suggests a strong selective pressure - something that favored changes in facial structure related to social behavior.
supporting Evidence/Details:
* The study uses skull morphology to measure evolutionary speed. (The image shows skull diversity across great apes and gibbons).
* The study builds on previous research into factors driving brain and skull changes.
* A quote from Gómez-Robles supports the social interaction hypothesis.
* A link to another article about a 6,200-year-old skull is included, perhaps to illustrate the study of skull morphology.