One other thing -- an alternative (epigenetic rather than genetic) hypothesis to that proposed by Cieri as to the relatively recent origin of the apparent feminization of human skulls. Repetitive acute exercise raises the basal level of growth hormone (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12457419/), especially in the young and female. Elevated growth hormone levels are known to cause acromelagy, one symptom of which is greater brow growth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly). It therefore seems possible that the less active lives of agriculturalists might be the critical factor in controlling the human skull changes remarked upon by Cieri, and not his hypothesized reduction in testosterone levels or cellular androgen receptor concentrations. (Given some some of the human social behavior increasingly exhibited over the last three years or so, and still being actively exhibited, no way am I convinced humans are more docile and circumspect in regard to interpersonal relations than were our hunter-gatherer ancestors.)
Yeah, that's an interesting point that not all of behavior and even skull shape has to be genetic, especially over small time scales (one lifetime or a few generations). Still, over the course of 50,000 years if the cultural changes produce a 1% fitness advantage in the direction of docility or femininity, there will also be huge genetic shifts.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249179303_Self-Representation_in_Upper_Paleolithic_Female_Figurines
not sure it it explains Barbie's feet tho
Great link, I had heard that but not seen the article. Thanks!
One other thing -- an alternative (epigenetic rather than genetic) hypothesis to that proposed by Cieri as to the relatively recent origin of the apparent feminization of human skulls. Repetitive acute exercise raises the basal level of growth hormone (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12457419/), especially in the young and female. Elevated growth hormone levels are known to cause acromelagy, one symptom of which is greater brow growth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acromegaly). It therefore seems possible that the less active lives of agriculturalists might be the critical factor in controlling the human skull changes remarked upon by Cieri, and not his hypothesized reduction in testosterone levels or cellular androgen receptor concentrations. (Given some some of the human social behavior increasingly exhibited over the last three years or so, and still being actively exhibited, no way am I convinced humans are more docile and circumspect in regard to interpersonal relations than were our hunter-gatherer ancestors.)
Yeah, that's an interesting point that not all of behavior and even skull shape has to be genetic, especially over small time scales (one lifetime or a few generations). Still, over the course of 50,000 years if the cultural changes produce a 1% fitness advantage in the direction of docility or femininity, there will also be huge genetic shifts.
Argh -- what's "EToC"? Double-Argh: I found the definition in your text. I'll have skim less in the mornings, I guess. Sorry.
Eve Theory of Consciousness!
Updated in the article, thanks for letting me know the confusion