Because of the invention of language and written thought, humans have been able to experience a generally linear (or exponential) trend of technological development. This is generally not consistent with other human species such as neanderthals who often backtracked and were volatile to external factors. This may have been one reason we outlasted them. Neanderthals had the same size brain as us, yet still disappeared (or perhaps interbred into our lineage). According to Dr. Zwyns, neanderthal’s technological development was not at its peak towards the end, but instead during a previous spike. It largely depended on their environment and optimum climate at the time. Dr. Zwyns mentioned that environmental pressure also plays a large role in innovation trends.
The adaptation of a more nutritious diet also allowed for humans to develop their greatest weapon — their brain. The addition of more meats, bone marrow, and other high fat + protein foods greatly developed the human brain, allowing for rapid innovation. A downside, however, to this new advantage was the vast amount of blood and nutrients needed. When provided with the necessary fat and proteins, the brain would provide great cognitive ability. However, this massive dietary need was also a huge burden. For instance, during pregnancies, the baby and its brain would require massive amounts of nutrients to power. Because of inadequate healthcare, the placenta of the baby would often break. Any break would be fatal due to the high pressure of blood flowing within.
Dr. Zwyns ends by explaining that the glorious brain, along with humans’ powerful, bipedal legs, were our greatest biological innovations, which sparked further evolution. Our need for more meat also caused us to have to compete with other carnivores, forcing us to develop further technology to hunt.