Transcript The Evolution of intelligence

The Evolution of
intelligence
How did we get to be so smart?
What is intelligence?

According to Cardwell intelligence is:
“an underlying ability which
enables an individual to adapt to
and function effectively in a given
environment.”
Intelligence is
adaptability
Intelligence has long been considered
to be a feature unique to humans
 Giving us the capacity to to devise
elaborate strategies for solving
problems.
 Intelligence is a product of evolutionary
change, and can be observed in
varying degrees in a range of species

Flexible solutions to
problems


Definitions of intelligence tend to emphasise
its contribution to the adaptability of a
species
Byrne suggests that human intelligence
encompasses both special purpose hardwired abilities serving particular needs, and
flexible, general purpose cognitive functions
which can be applied widely
Unpredictability is key!
Unpredictability is the core concept for
an understanding of why intelligence
evolved.
 The more unpredictable the
environment, the greater the selective
pressure will be for the adaptability
provided by intelligence.
 Intelligence is best viewed as an
adaptation based on instincts

3 Main theories:


Genetic factors play a significant role in the
development of intelligence, and so this
ability is subject to the forces of evolution.
The 3 main theories that have been proposed
to account for the evolution of human
intelligence are:
– Ecological theory
– Social theory
– Sexual selection theory
All of these are plausible, although the exact nature
of the selective forces that shaped our intelligence
remains unclear