MASTERY OF SPACE(VOLUME)
Mammalian domination of the two-dimensional horizontal plane exerted pressure on some species to push the dimensional boundaries for a new niche with which to gain a competitive edge. The vertical space in forest canopies was within their reach. Our lineage approached this problem by transforming their forelimbs from weight-bearing (compressional) locomotion to locomotion organized around grasp (tensional), enabling them to swing from the trees. This transformation was the beginning of their evolution into bipedal primates, which freed their forelimbs to construct the world we know today.
The emergence of these unique features required several distinct adaptations:
- Action in the three spatial dimensions can be seen in the anatomy of the shoulder. The Homunculus is a model of how we would appear if our structure reflected the density of neurons invested for its control. The absolute dominance of the hands, and to a lesser degree the face and tongue, indicate the importance of tool use for our species.
MANIPULATION CORE
Our Locomotive Core changed as much as our Manipulation Core to facilitate this transformation. It had to take on all of the tasks associated with load-bearing and movement. This can be seen most dramatically in our Spine, which shifted its orientation from the horizontal to the vertical plane. It additionally had to develop the capacity to function as a stable base for our Manipulation Core (Adopt the function of not moving).
LOCOMOTIVE CORE
SPINE - The evolution of the neurological framework that enabled bipedal gait and tool use is discussed here:
COGNITION AND THE EVOLVING BRAIN
For primate neurophysiology to function, all of the underlying mechanisms of cognition need to operate cohesively. The necessary complex “gating”/repression of our species drives/instincts/emotions appear to be only marginally successfully achieved in our species. Integration of the multitude of cognitive frameworks expressed in our experience, which is required for efficient, nonconflicted action, is discussed here:
INTEGRATION - The opportunities for expanded awareness afforded by these adaptations are discussed in the papers on the Intelligence Archetype. These opportunities are probably accessed by some other large-brained mammals but our species is unique in its ability to manipulate the physical world we create with the universal truth we can perceive. Discussion of the potentials inherent in our awareness is presented in this selection of papers on the:
INTELLIGENCE ARCHETYPE