%0 Journal Article %J Ethology and Sociobiology %D 1982 %T Did throwing stones shape hominid brain evolution? %A William H. Calvin %K Tool %X

Early hominid evolution may have involved an interaction between lateralization to left brain of rapid motor sequencing (e.g., right handedness) and its selection via one-handed throwing of stones at small prey. Since a more redundant sequencer should permit faster orchestration of muscles, faster (and hence longer range) throws could have selected for encephalization. Secondary uses of the enlarged sequencer may have included tool-sharpening and manual gestures. Because an oral-facial sequencing area just below motor strip forms the core of modern language cortex, there may have been a common origin of handedness and language in redundant sequencing circuits selected by throwing success.

%B Ethology and Sociobiology %V 3 %P 115 - 124 %G eng %U http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0162309582900103 %R http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0162-3095(82)90010-3