Natural Selection and Cultural Selection in the Evolution of Communication

Computational simulations of natural selection for communicative success show that natural selection alone is capable of evolving optimal communication systems. Simulations of the interactions between natural selection and learning show that the biases of learners, when placed in the framework of iterated cultural transmission of communication systems, result in cultural selection of communication systems. Cultural selection may be in opposition to natural selection as communication systems which are optimal in terms of cultural selection may not be optimal in terms of natural selection. Cultural selection is the determining factor in the development of communication systems in the simulated populations, with natural selection being relegated to a secondary role. This paper suggests that the role of cultural selection in the evolution of language should not be underestimated.