People in one family have a gene that seriously impairs language without decreasing overall intelligence. This observation argues AGAINST the theory that:
A) language learning is based on a "language acquisition device."
B) intelligence consists of a series of more or less separate "modules."
C) language evolved from a precursor ability present in other primates.
D) language evolved as a byproduct of selection for overall intelligence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation that the gene impairs language without decreasing overall intelligence suggests that language did not evolve as a byproduct of selection for overall intelligence. If it had, we would expect that impairing language ability would also impair overall intelligence. Therefore, this observation argues against the theory that language evolved as a byproduct of selection for overall intelligence.

People in One Family Have a Gene That Seriously Impairs