Human Language and Adaptation Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on human language adaptation and reproduction.

Phoneme

The smallest unit of sound that constructs language.

Pidgin

A simplified form of speech formed from two or more languages, often created in situations where groups of people speak different languages.

Creole

A stable, fully developed natural language that has evolved from a pidgin.

Broca's area

A region in the frontal lobe of the brain associated with language production.

Wernicke's area

A region in the temporal lobe of the brain associated with language comprehension.

FOX P2 gene

A gene associated with language abilities; mutations can lead to severe language impairments.

EEA (Environments of Evolutionary Adaptedness)

The environment in which a particular adaptation evolved, critical for understanding certain traits.

Interbirth interval

The period between successive births in a population.

Menopause

The period in a woman's life, typically occurring in their 40s to 50s, when menstrual cycles permanently cease.

Antagonistic pleiotropy

A theory suggesting that some genes that improve early life fitness might have negative effects later in life.

Mutation accumulation

The increase of genetic mutations in an organism as it ages, due to weaker natural selection.

Optimal foraging theory

The hypothesis that animals will maximize their foraging efficiency to obtain the most food with the least effort.

Delayed reciprocity

The concept that generosity will often lead to reciprocation in the future, benefiting both parties.

Costly signaling

The idea that certain behaviors or characteristics can serve as signals of fitness or quality to potential mates.

Kin selection

A form of natural selection where organisms increase the survival of relatives at a cost to themselves.

Inbreeding avoidance

The tendency of individuals to avoid mating with close relatives to prevent negative genetic consequences.

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal, which can enhance survival and resource acquisition.