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The brain is our most expensive organ, requiring massive calories and qualities protein/fat sources. In addition, it takes decade(s) to fully mature. In natur
by nicholas73 12y ago
The brain is our most expensive organ, requiring massive calories and qualities protein/fat sources. In addition, it takes decade(s) to fully mature. In nature, that is a ridiculous reproduction disadvantage.
The only way that can evolve is through tools and social cohesion. For a small mammal to evolve to tackle on bigger game and thus more efficient protein sources, it either needs these things or adapt its body. Unfortunately, adapting your body is expensive as well. The only positive feedback loop is through tools and social behavior.
Wolves are intelligent animals as well. Probably as smart as toddlers. They are very social creatures that take on much bigger game. But they don't have hands.
From using tools, primates were able to streamline their body mass and reduce apparatus needed to digest vegetation. Thus, from the point of view of efficiency, I think the human body is very optimized for an intelligent brain.
It's not the only way it can happen, but it's very probable (at least to evolve from existing animals).
- brudgers 12y agoMy dogs, descendants of wolves, don't have hands. They do however have access to hands. They have access to a shelter that was created with tools. They ride to the vet in an automobile when they have healthcare needs. They lay on the couch while I'm working to produce what can be transformed into protein for them. It's a pretty efficient and pretty safe strategy evolved in a few tens of thousands of years. There was a comedic bit about dogs in New York City: If an alien saw two creatures of a different species and one was picking up the other's poop, which would it deduce was in charge? The great-chain-of-being is the product of revelation not scientific method.