Origins of Cognition - Common Descent vs Convergent Evolution

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Questions and Answers

Which cognitive trait is believed to have evolved through common descent?

  • Memory retention
  • Language acquisition (correct)
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Emotional intelligence

What supports the notion of a common evolutionary origin for language acquisition?

  • Absence of a critical period for language acquisition
  • Variation in language structures across different cultures
  • Universality of certain language structures and grammar rules across diverse human societies (correct)
  • Diversity of language-related genes among human populations

What type of evolution led to the independent development of human problem-solving abilities like tool use and complex reasoning?

  • Divergent evolution
  • Adaptive evolution
  • Convergent evolution (correct)
  • Parallel evolution

Which cognitive trait is NOT mentioned as having evolved through convergent evolution?

<p>Language acquisition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the independent evolution of human problem-solving abilities?

<p>Universality of certain problem-solving techniques across different cultures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as evidence supporting common descent for language acquisition?

<p>Variation in language structures among human populations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the research mentioned in the text indicate about humans, corvids, and primates?

<p>They have independently evolved similar advanced cognitive skills. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the small number system linked to?

<p>Subitizing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the large number system from the small number system?

<p>It involves sequential counting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do brain imaging studies reveal about processing small versus large numbers?

<p>They activate different brain areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influences subitizing?

<p>Attention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do humans, corvids, and primates demonstrate adaptability in problem-solving strategies?

<p>By independently evolving different cognitive traits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the distinction between the small and large number systems help us understand?

<p>How we understand quantities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does research consistently show about reaction times when dealing with small quantities?

<p>Faster reaction times (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the large number system linked to?

<p>Sequential counting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do observational studies and experiments demonstrate about humans, corvids, and primates?

<p>They can use tools and solve complex problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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