Another result of human evolution that influenced the creation of culture was the modification of our vocal tract. All animals communicate in one form or another, mostly using sounds. Due to the lowered position of our larynx and epiglottis, however, humans are able to produce a wide range of sounds, far more than any other species. This is the basis of the different languages (over 4,000) spoken in the world today.
The most significant development of evolution that gave way to culture was the enlargement of the brain. Studies show that, among different species, brain size is generally relative to the capacity for learning and understanding conceptual thought. As the brain developed, adaptability increased. Hominines (primates that are human or near-human) continued to survive and reproduce, becoming more sophisticated over time. By the time Homo sapiens arrive in our history, somewhere around 250,000 years ago, culture is already quite visible.
Cultural products of evolution
Once our ancestors learned how to make and use tools, life became easier and the path of evolution was lengthened. The earliest identifiable tools were created approximately 2.5 million years ago and were probably used to crack open nuts and cut meat. Engaging in a diet high in protein was a direct cause of the brain's enlargement; in turn, as the brain became more developed, more complex and efficient tools were created. Eventually, humans possessed the tools to produce their own food, build cities, and create all of the modern marvels built today.
At one time, all humans were hunter-gatherers. The only way to acquire sustenance was to forage and hunt for oneself. As humans continued to survive and reproduce over the years, they would often deplete the resources in their area, causing them to migrate in search of food. Their tools would eventually reach a level of sophistication that would allow them to produce food for themselves. Humans eventually learned how to capture and breed animals used for food, as well as grow and yield crops. This domestication of plants and animals marks the beginning of agriculture.
Agriculture began in different parts of the world at different times. Despite the circumstances, the rise of agriculture always forced a society to remain settled in one location, rather than traveling in search of sustenance. Such societies gave rise to new social structures in which people had to work together in order to provide for the group. This strengthened local cultures, assuring differences from other cultures with which they initially had no contact.
It must be noted that not all human societies turned to agriculture. In fact, there remain societies today that rely on foraging and hunting for food. These groups are defined by their distinct culture just the same as any other. Most cultures of the world, however, must rely on the products of agriculture in one way or another, as factors such as technology and economy have a global impact.
With settled societies in isolation from one another, different groups of people developed different cultures. Societies grew separately, some for thousands of years, before ever exchanging ideas with one another. All of this time alone gave societies the chance to create their own distinct ways of thinking, talking, and acting. Each language passed down its own set of ideals and knowledge to those that could understand it. By the time societies evolved to the point of exploring unfamiliar lands, thousands of separate cultures already existed.
Culture in a modern context
Religion, art, philosophy, music, morals, styles of dress, food preferences, political beliefs - whatever your interests and ideals are now, they were started somewhere by someone, probably long ago. Each generation of a society learns its culture, shares it with fellow members, influences it, and passes it on to others, by default if not consciously. Societies also learn aspects of each other's cultures, creating a global culture of nearly infinite dimensions.
Today, in the age of information, it's easy to take for granted the vast global diversity that still exists. We seem ignorant of the very cultural factors that have created us and of the extraordinary journey of evolution it took our species to get this far. Our history is merely a prelude to tomorrow. By celebrating our common past and diverse present, we can look forward towards a unified future.
