In his target article Crow (2000a) summarized the hypothesis that a genetically based shift in cerebral dominance CD) favoured the development of language and, perhaps, consciousness. On the basis of Crow's thesis one can hypothesize that a disorder like a psychosis, which in its milder form could favour a creative use of the language, would also contribute to strengthen the adaptive potential of a gene which per se increases the use of language. Propensity to develop a psychosis can be conceived as a 'hitch-hiker' allele which confers no fitness advantage per se, but which endures because it is linked to abilities (linguistic skills) that are important for survival. The main carrier would be the gene producing cerebral dominance, and the subsequent improved use of speech and language.
Language, creativity and the speciation of homo sapiens
Preti A
Primo
2000-01-01
Abstract
In his target article Crow (2000a) summarized the hypothesis that a genetically based shift in cerebral dominance CD) favoured the development of language and, perhaps, consciousness. On the basis of Crow's thesis one can hypothesize that a disorder like a psychosis, which in its milder form could favour a creative use of the language, would also contribute to strengthen the adaptive potential of a gene which per se increases the use of language. Propensity to develop a psychosis can be conceived as a 'hitch-hiker' allele which confers no fitness advantage per se, but which endures because it is linked to abilities (linguistic skills) that are important for survival. The main carrier would be the gene producing cerebral dominance, and the subsequent improved use of speech and language.
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