Did throwing stones shape hominid brain evolution?
Early hominid evolution may have involved an interaction between lateralization to left brain of rapid motor sequencing (e.g., right handedness) and its selection via one-handed throwing of stones at small prey. Since a more redundant sequencer should permit faster orchestration of muscles, faster (and hence longer range) throws could have selected for encephalization. Secondary uses of the enlarged sequencer may have included tool-sharpening and manual gestures. Because an oral-facial sequencing area just below motor strip forms the core of modern language cortex, there may have been a common origin of handedness and language in redundant sequencing circuits selected by throwing success.