The phylogenetic roots of human lethal violence

摘要: The percentage of human deaths caused by interpersonal violence reflects our membership a particularly violent clade mammals, although changes in socio-political organization have led to marked variations this proportion. philosopher Thomas Hobbes said that people are inherently violent; Jean-Jacques Rousseau, usually peaceable. reality presumably lies somewhere between, but where? Here Jose Maria Gomez et al. present phylogenetic analysis intraspecies lethal more than 1,000 mammalian species. They show whereas is almost unknown some clades, such as bats and whales, it particular feature primates. level during prehistory inferred from empirical observations line with the prediction, most historic periods was higher predictions. In modern times, cultural practices appear modulated tendency towards nature has given us. psychological, sociological evolutionary roots conspecific humans still debated, despite attracting attention intellectuals for over two millennia1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. we propose conceptual approach understanding these based on assumption aggression including humans, significant component. By compiling sources mortality comprehensive sample assessed due conspecifics and, using comparative tools, predicted value humans. proportion phylogenetically be stood at 2%. This similar one ancestor primates apes, indicating certain arises owing position within phylogeny mammals. It also seen prehistoric bands tribes, were lethally then common history would predict. However, changed through can associated populations. Our study provides detailed historical context against which compare levels observed throughout history.