Behavioral Specialization During the Neolithic–An Evolutionary Model (2018)

The study explores the emergence of behavioral specialization during the Neolithic period, focusing on the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural ones. This transition, marked by the advent of food production, led to significant ecological changes and the development of complex social structures. The authors present an individual-based model that examines the relationship between agricultural surplus, social division of labor (SDL), and behavioral diversity. The model distinguishes between pre-Neolithic and Neolithic habitats, highlighting how the availability of resources and food storage influenced task specialization among individuals. It posits that genetic factors and learned experiences contribute to task-solving effectiveness, with individuals improving their skills through imitation of successful peers. The findings suggest that economic surplus can foster both phenotypic specialization and genetic polymorphism, contingent on group size and social dynamics. The study emphasizes that the Neolithic transition not only facilitated SDL but may have also impacted human genetics, providing insights into the evolution of cooperation and social organization in human societies.

- The Neolithic transition marked a significant shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies.

- Economic surplus from agriculture led to the emergence of social division of labor (SDL).

- Behavioral specialization is influenced by both genetic factors and learned experiences.

- The model indicates that larger groups are necessary for the evolution of specialization.

- The findings may have implications for understanding human genetic diversity and social structures.