Teaching and complex tools 'evolved together'

[Klaralven]

The human ability to teach and our use of complex tools may have evolved together, according to new research.

The improvement of technologies across generations, known as "cumulative cultural evolution," is central to our success as a species -- but its origins are a mystery.

The new study, led by the University of Exeter, tested the power of teaching on the development of simple and more complex tools -- and found teaching stands out when tackling complicated problems.

This suggests that, as early humans developed more complex tools, natural selection began to favour those who could teach.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201117192623.htm

Of course, now with the Internet, all bets are off.