What Did Richard Wrangham Hypothesize About How the Use of Fire

question 45

Multiple Choice

What did Richard Wrangham hypothesize about how the use of fire shaped the course of hominin evolution?

• A) The use of fire increased winter survival, leading to larger populations and greater genetic diversity.
• B) The use of fire to cook food (as opposed to eating raw food) provided large energetic stores that are easily consumed and processed; this reduced nutritional challenge led to distinct morphological changes, including a large increase in brain size.
• C) The use of fire enabled early hominins to prevent predator attacks, leading to higher survival rates. It also enabled them to clear large tracts of forest in tropical Africa, leading to the increased use of agriculture and a more reliable food supply.
• D) Wrangham argues that the use of fire was insignificant in shaping human evolution and that the evolution of more sophisticated tools is what led to more successful hunting and a more reliable, higher-protein food supply. Increased dietary protein led to the evolution of increased brain size.

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Economic Costs

The total cost of choosing one action over another, comprising both the costs directly incurred and the opportunity costs forgone by not taking the alternative action.