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The cognitive and evolutionary science of behavioural modernity goes beyond material chronology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 January 2025

Andoni S. E. Sergiou Open the ORCID record for Andoni S. E. Sergiou [Opens in a new window]  and
Liane Gabora Open the ORCID record for Liane Gabora [Opens in a new window]
Andoni S. E. Sergiou*
Affiliation:
Human Behaviour and Cultural Evolution Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus), Penryn, Cornwall, UK
Liane Gabora
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus), Kelowna, BC, Canada as1488@exeter.ac.uk liane.gabora@ubc.ca http://andonisergiou.com https://gabora-psych.ok.ubc.ca
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Stibbard-Hawkes' taphonomic findings are valuable, and his call for caution warranted, but the hazards he raises are being mitigated by a multi-pronged approach; current research on behavioural/cognitive modernity is not based solely on material chronology. Theories synthesize data from archaeology, anthropology, psychology, neuroscience, and genetics, and predictions arising from these theories are tested with mathematical and agent-based models.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 48 , 2025 , e16
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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