Music in human evolution ( as defense mechanism?)

Fascinating thesis. Of course, the next turn of the screw is when music stops being strictly an evolutionary advantage on the savannah and becomes an aspect of our cultural and spiritual life; that is, a kind of play that's performed for its own ends. And becomes quite complex in the process.

From the Haka, through Stravinksy, to Justin Bieber. The evolutionary development of sounds that are progressively more frightening to large predators.

Very interesting read. I like this kind of stuff and will probably read the book. Doesn't hurt that Daniel Dennett is referenced… one of my favorites. Rhythm from the chanting and stomping is a pretty obvious leap. The obvious candidate for the lyrical part is from imitating birds, for the pleasing sounds, but probably originally for luring them in to kill them. How many examples are there of humans imitating other animals' behavior? That's got to be a long list. The Masai "jump dance" reminds me of the gazelle behavior called "stotting", which is jumping straight up as high as they can. Tells the predator trying to sneak up on them "I see you" and "I'm healthy", therefore much harder to catch. Of course the Masai jump dance is probably intimidating to lions… just imagine a group of 20 hunters doing that in unison.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/06/hiker-opera-scared-off-mountain-lion/13661809/ I'd love to know what aria she sang.

Great read Kat. I studied anthro alongside art in college; these discussions are fascinating. In my ultrarunning days I'd regularly be out alone, in the dark, running trail through mountain lion and bear country. I sang aloud for defense.