Human Adaptations for Language

Which gene creates a protein that acts as a "catalyst" for speech and language production?

• DCDC2

• NETX4

• FOXP2

• SETP2

Answer explanation

FOXP2 is the "first gene relevant to the human ability to develop language" (Pääbo et al. 2002, pg. 1).

True or False: Neanderthals had vocal tracts similar to our's today.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Their short necks would not allow for modern vocal tracts as it would prevent them from eating. Humans have evolved to have lower larynxes and tongues but this change cannot be seen through fossils (Ghazanfar and Rendall 2008, pg. 2).

The increase in brain size in humans has allowed us to complete complex cognitive tasks such as spontaneity and decision making. Specifically, which part of the brain allows for these actions to occur?

• Parietal Lobe

• Anterior Frontal Lobe

• Interior Frontal Lobe

• Occipital Lobe

How big is the modern human brain compared to our ancestors?

• Two times larger

• The same size

• Five times larger

• Three times larger

Answer explanation

The increase of brain size allowed for complex speech and language.

Humans have a uniquely descended larynx and tongue compared to other primates. Along with these features, what other feature in the vocal tracts allows humans to produce complex speech?

• The presence of a pharynx in the vocal tract

• The size of our tongue

• The width of our trachea and size of our lungs

Answer explanation

Because humans have descended larynxes, it creates another cavity, the pharynx, in the back of human mouths but NOT in primates. (Ghazanfar and Rendall 2008, pg. 2)

Along with toolmaking, what else did the Broca's Area evolve to control? (2 possible answers)

• Spelling

• Grammatical structure

• Only toolmaking

• Sophisticated language

Answer explanation

It is undetermined the specific role the Broca's area has in language. One proposed idea is the area doesn't produce individual words but "coordinates the transformation of information processing to articulatory code" (Flinkers et al. 2015, pg. 1). It essentially allows human to pronounce each words.

True or False: FOXP2 is NOT unique to humans and are found in other animals that are capable of speech.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Other animals such as dolphins and other primates also have FOXP2 genes that aren't as strong as humans. According to a study, FOXP2 genes in primates such as chimps and gorillas are identical to each other but have two differences compared to humans (Przeworski et al. 2002, pg. 1).

Why was "speech breathing" a selected trait during evolution?

• Better voice control for screaming or yelling

• Allowed humans/hominids to speak for longer periods of time

• Does not help with speech

Answer explanation

Breath control allows humans to speak for longer periods of times without multiple pauses (Ghazanfar and Rendall 2002, pg. 2). As mentioned in the slides, this ability is found in the thoracic region of the spinal cord (pg. 2).