How Pregnancy Hormones Shaped Humanity's Brain Evolution
Research suggests that sex hormones produced during pregnancy significantly influenced the development of human brains, resulting in societal advancements. The hormones, crucial for reproduction, may have spearheaded human evolution by fostering greater brain size and social improvements, according to a study by University of Cambridge researchers.
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During pregnancy, sex hormones possibly played a pivotal role in the evolution of the human brain, suggests new research by scientists at the University of Cambridge. These hormones, like testosterone and oestrogen, originating from the placenta, not only support reproduction but may have driven societal progress.
The study argues that elevated prenatal hormone levels, together with the placenta's enhanced function, could have contributed to increased brain size and connectivity. Authors highlight that while higher levels of these hormones might improve male-female social dynamics, they simultaneously aided the formation of more cohesive human groups.
Published in the journal Evolutionary Anthropology, the research posits that such hormonal action may have underpinned human cognitive and social traits. The hypothesis positions pregnancy central to understanding the unique aspects of human evolution, emphasizing the pivotal role of placental hormone production.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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