We propose a new theory of human cognitive evolution, which we term Complementary Cognition. We build on evidence for individual neurocognitive specialization regarding search abilities in the modern population, and propose that our species cooperatively searches and adapts through a system of group-level cognition. This paper sets out a coherent theory to explain why Complementary Cognition evolved and the conditions responsible for its emergence. Using the framework of search, we show that Complementary Cognition can be contextualized as part of a hierarchy of systems including genetic search and cognitive search. We propose that, just as genetic search drives phenotypic adaptation and evolution, complementary cognitive search is central to understanding how our species adapts and evolves through culture. Complementary Cognition has far-reaching implications since it may help to explain the emergence of behavioural modernity and provides a new explanatory framework for why language and many aspects of cooperation evolved. We believe that Complementary Cognition underpins our species’ success and has important implications for how modern-day systems are designed.

中文翻译：

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互补认知的进化：人类通过集体认知搜索系统协同适应和进化

我们提出了一种人类认知进化的新理论，我们称之为互补认知。我们建立在关于现代人群搜索能力的个体神经认知专业化证据的基础上，并建议我们的物种通过群体级认知系统进行合作搜索和适应。本文提出了一个连贯的理论来解释互补认知为什么会进化以及导致它出现的条件。使用搜索框架，我们表明互补认知可以作为包括遗传搜索和认知搜索在内的系统层次结构的一部分进行语境化。我们提出，正如遗传搜索驱动表型适应和进化一样，互补认知搜索对于理解我们的物种如何通过文化适应和进化至关重要。互补认知具有深远的意义，因为它可能有助于解释行为现代性的出现，并为语言和合作的许多方面为何演变提供了一个新的解释框架。我们相信互补认知是我们物种成功的基础，并对现代系统的设计方式具有重要意义。