scholarly journals The potential to infer the historical pattern of cultural macroevolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 376 (1828) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Lukas ◽  
Mary Towner ◽  
Monique Borgerhoff Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Type I ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
History Of ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Type Ii Errors

Phylogenetic analyses increasingly take centre-stage in our understanding of the processes shaping patterns of cultural diversity and cultural evolution over time. Just as biologists explain the origins and maintenance of trait differences among organisms using phylogenetic methods, so anthropologists studying cultural macroevolutionary processes use phylogenetic methods to uncover the history of human populations and the dynamics of culturally transmitted traits. In this paper, we revisit concerns with the validity of these methods. Specifically, we use simulations to reveal how properties of the sample (size, missing data), properties of the tree (shape) and properties of the traits (rate of change, number of variants, transmission mode) might influence the inferences that can be drawn about trait distributions across a given phylogeny and the power to discern alternative histories. Our approach shows that in two example datasets specific combinations of properties of the sample, of the tree and of the trait can lead to potentially high rates of Type I and Type II errors. We offer this simulation tool to help assess the potential impact of this list of persistent perils in future cultural macroevolutionary work. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Foundations of cultural evolution’.

scholarly journals The Potential to Infer the Historical Pattern of Cultural Macroevolution

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Lukas ◽  
Mary Towner ◽  
Monique Borgerhoff Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Type I ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
History Of ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Type Ii Errors

Phylogenetic analyses increasingly take centre-stage in our understanding of the processes shaping patterns of cultural diversity and cultural evolution over time. Just as biologists explain the origins and maintenance of trait differences among organisms using phylogenetic methods, so anthropologists studying cultural macroevolutionary processes use phylogenetic methods to uncover the history of human populations and the dynamics of culturally transmitted traits. In this paper we revisit concerns with the validity of these methods. Specifically, we use simulations to reveal how properties of the sample (size, missing data), properties of the tree (shape), and properties of the traits (rate of change, number of variants, transmission mode) might influence the inferences that can be drawn about trait distributions across a given phylogeny and the power to discern alternative histories. Our approach shows that in two example datasets specific combinations of properties of the sample, of the tree, and of the trait can lead to potentially high rates of Type I and Type II errors. We offer this simulation tool to help assess the potential impact of this list of persistent perils in future cultural macroevolutionary work.

scholarly journals The uses and abuses of tree thinking in cultural evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 376 (1828) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara L. Evans ◽  
Simon J. Greenhill ◽  
Joseph Watts ◽  
Johann-Mattis List ◽  
Carlos A. Botero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Tree Thinking ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Cultural Traits ◽  
Lines Of Evidence

Modern phylogenetic methods are increasingly being used to address questions about macro-level patterns in cultural evolution. These methods can illuminate the unobservable histories of cultural traits and identify the evolutionary drivers of trait change over time, but their application is not without pitfalls. Here, we outline the current scope of research in cultural tree thinking, highlighting a toolkit of best practices to navigate and avoid the pitfalls and ‘abuses' associated with their application. We emphasize two principles that support the appropriate application of phylogenetic methodologies in cross-cultural research: researchers should (1) draw on multiple lines of evidence when deciding if and which types of phylogenetic methods and models are suitable for their cross-cultural data, and (2) carefully consider how different cultural traits might have different evolutionary histories across space and time. When used appropriately phylogenetic methods can provide powerful insights into the processes of evolutionary change that have shaped the broad patterns of human history. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Foundations of cultural evolution'.

scholarly journals A worldwide view of matriliny: using cross-cultural analyses to shed light on human kinship systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1780) ◽  
pp. 20180077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Surowiec ◽  
Kate T. Snyder ◽  
Nicole Creanza
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Subsistence Strategy ◽  
Wealth Transfer ◽  
Single Region ◽  
Cultural Traits ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Shed Light

Although matriliny and matrilocality are relatively rare in contemporary human populations, these female-based descent and residence systems are present in different cultural contexts and across the globe. Previous research has generated numerous hypotheses about which cultural traits are associated with the stability or loss of matrilineal descent. In addition, several studies have examined matrilineal descent with phylogenetic analyses; however, the use of language phylogenies has restricted these analyses to comparisons within a single language family, often confined to a single continent. Cross-cultural comparisons are particularly informative when they account for the relationships between widely distributed populations, as opposed to treating each population as an independent sample or focusing on a single region. Here, we study the evolution of descent systems on a worldwide scale. First, we test for significant associations between matriliny and numerous cultural traits that have been theoretically associated with its stability or loss, such as subsistence strategy, animal domestication, mating system, residence pattern, wealth transfer and property succession. In addition, by combining genetic and linguistic information to build a global supertree that includes 16 matrilineal populations, we also perform phylogenetically controlled analyses to assess the patterns of correlated evolution between descent and other traits: for example, does a change in subsistence strategy generally predict a shift in the rules of descent, or do these transitions happen independently? These analyses enable a worldwide perspective on the pattern and process of the evolution of matriliny and matrilocality. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolution of female-biased kinship in humans and other mammals’.

scholarly journals Not by transmission alone: the role of invention in cultural evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 376 (1828) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Perry ◽  
Alecia Carter ◽  
Marco Smolla ◽  
Erol Akçay ◽  
Sabine Nöbel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
New Research

Innovation—the combination of invention and social learning—can empower species to invade new niches via cultural adaptation. Social learning has typically been regarded as the fundamental driver for the emergence of traditions and thus culture. Consequently, invention has been relatively understudied outside the human lineage—despite being the source of new traditions. This neglect leaves basic questions unanswered: what factors promote the creation of new ideas and practices? What affects their spread or loss? We critically review the existing literature, focusing on four levels of investigation: traits (what sorts of behaviours are easiest to invent?), individuals (what factors make some individuals more likely to be inventors?), ecological contexts (what aspects of the environment make invention or transmission more likely?), and populations (what features of relationships and societies promote the rise and spread of new inventions?). We aim to inspire new research by highlighting theoretical and empirical gaps in the study of innovation, focusing primarily on inventions in non-humans. Understanding the role of invention and innovation in the history of life requires a well-developed theoretical framework (which embraces cognitive processes) and a taxonomically broad, cross-species dataset that explicitly investigates inventions and their transmission. We outline such an agenda here. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Foundations of cultural evolution’.

Cognacy Databases and Phylogenetic Research on Indo-European

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 371-394
Author(s):  
Paul Heggarty
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Current State ◽  
Phylogenetic Methods ◽  
History Of ◽  
Linguistic Input ◽  
Cautionary Tales

Repeatedly in recent years, phylogenetic analyses of linguistic data have reached the world's leading scientific journals, but in ways hugely controversial within linguistics itself. Phylogenetic analysis methods, taken from the biological sciences, have been applied to date and track how major language families dispersed through prehistory, with implications also for archaeology and genetics. As this approach is extended to ever more language families worldwide, this review offers methodological perspectives and cautionary tales from the most high-profile and hotly disputed case of all: Indo-European. This article surveys the checkered history of these phylogenetic methods and of the cognacy databases they have relied on for their linguistic input data. It clears up cross-disciplinary misconceptions about this new methodology, identifies major flaws in the current state of the art (hence its highly inconsistent results), diagnoses the causes, and outlines new solutions that might bring the field closer to living up to its potential.

An old friend is better than two new ones? Approaches to market research in the context of digital transformation for the antitrust laws enforcement

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Shastitko ◽  
O. A. Markova
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Market Definition ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
Type Ii Errors

Digital transformation has led to changes in business models of traditional players in the existing markets. What is more, new entrants and new markets appeared, in particular platforms and multisided markets. The emergence and rapid development of platforms are caused primarily by the existence of so called indirect network externalities. Regarding to this, a question arises of whether the existing instruments of competition law enforcement and market analysis are still relevant when analyzing markets with digital platforms? This paper aims at discussing advantages and disadvantages of using various tools to define markets with platforms. In particular, we define the features of the SSNIP test when being applyed to markets with platforms. Furthermore, we analyze adjustment in tests for platform market definition in terms of possible type I and type II errors. All in all, it turns out that to reduce the likelihood of type I and type II errors while applying market definition technique to markets with platforms one should consider the type of platform analyzed: transaction platforms without pass-through and non-transaction matching platforms should be tackled as players in a multisided market, whereas non-transaction platforms should be analyzed as players in several interrelated markets. However, if the platform is allowed to adjust prices, there emerges additional challenge that the regulator and companies may manipulate the results of SSNIP test by applying different models of competition.

CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS PECULIARITIES IN MEN UNDER 60 YEARS OLD WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY LUNG DISEASES

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Tupitsyn V.V. ◽  
Bataev Kh.M. ◽  
Men’shikova A.N. ◽  
Godina Z.N.
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Digestive System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
History Of

Relevance. Information about the cardiovascular diseases risk factors (CVD RF) for in men with chronic lung inflam-matory pathology (CLID) is contradictory and requires clarification. Aim. To evaluate the peculiarities of CVD RF in men under 60 years of age with CLID in myocardial infarction (MI) to improve prevention. Material and methods. The study included men aged 19-60 years old with type I myocardial infarction. Patients are divided into two age-comparable groups: I - the study group, with CLID - 142 patients; II - control, without it - 424 patients. A comparative analysis of the frequency of observation of the main and additional cardiovascular risk fac-tors in groups was performed. Results. In patients of the study group, more often than in the control group we observed: hereditary burden of is-chemic heart disease (40.8 and 31.6%, respectively; p = 0.0461) and arterial hypertension (54.2 and 44.6%; p = 0.0461), frequent colds (24.6 and 12.0%; p = 0.0003), a history of extrasystoles (19.7 and 12.7%; p = 0.04); chronic foci of infections of internal organs (75.4 and 29.5%; p˂0.0001), non-ulcer lesions of the digestive system (26.1 and 14.6%; p = 0.007), smoking (95.1 and 66.3%; p˂0.0001), MI in winter (40.8 and 25.9%; p = 0.006). Less commonly were observed: oral cavity infections (9.2 and 23.6%; p˂0.0001); hypodynamia (74.5 and 82.5%; p = 0.0358), over-weight (44.4 and 55.2%; p = 0.0136), a subjective relationship between the worsening of the course of coronary heart disease and the season of the year (43.7 and 55.2%; p = 0.0173) and MI - in the autumn (14.1 and 21.9%; p = 0.006) period. Conclusions. The structure of CVD RF in men under 60 years of age with CLID with MI is characterized by the pre-dominance of smoking, non-ulcer pathology of the digestive system, frequent pro-student diseases, meteorological dependence, a history of cardiac arrhythmias and foci of internal organ infections. It is advisable to use the listed factors when planning preventive measures in such patients.

Cultural evolution and cultural psychology

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Mesoudi
Keyword(s):  
Cultural History ◽  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Cultural Transmission ◽  
Cultural Psychology ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Cultural Variation ◽  
Cultural Inheritance ◽  
Human Psychology

Cultural evolution is a branch of the evolutionary sciences which assumes that (i) human cognition and behaviour is shaped not only by genetic inheritance, but also cultural inheritance (also known as social learning), and (ii) this cultural inheritance constitutes a Darwinian evolutionary system that can be analysed and studied using tools borrowed from evolutionary biology. In this chapter I explore the numerous compatibilities between the fields of cultural evolution and cultural psychology, and the potential mutual benefits from their closer alignment. First, understanding the evolutionary context within which human psychology emerged gives added significance to the findings of cultural psychologists, which reinforce the conclusion reached by cultural evolution scholars that humans inhabit a ‘cultural niche’ within which the major means of adaptation to difference environments is cultural, rather than genetic. Hence, we should not be surprised that human psychology shows substantial cross-cultural variation. Second, a focus on cultural transmission pathways, drawing on cultural evolution models and empirical research, can help to explain to the maintenance of, and potential changes in, cultural variation in psychological processes. Evidence from migrants, in particular, points to a mix of vertical, oblique and horizontal cultural transmission that can explain the differential stability of different cultural dimensions. Third, cultural evolutionary methods offer powerful means of testing historical (“macro-evolutionary”) hypotheses put forward by cultural psychologists for the origin of psychological differences. Explanations in terms of means of subsistence, rates of environmental change or pathogen prevalence can be tested using quantitative models and phylogenetic analyses that can be used to reconstruct cultural lineages. Evolutionary considerations also point to potential problems with current cross-country comparisons conducted within cultural psychology, such as the non-independence of data points due to shared cultural history. Finally, I argue that cultural psychology can play a central role in a synthetic evolutionary science of culture, providing valuable links between individual-oriented disciplines such as experimental psychology and neuroscience on the one hand, and society-oriented disciplines such as anthropology, history and sociology on the other, all within an evolutionary framework that provides links to the biological sciences.

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