Final answer:
The correct answer is option 3: Language allows humans to describe jolting events without actually creating them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The benefit to humor in the evolution of language, as seen by Morreall, can be identified in the context of cultural universals outlined by anthropologist George Murdock. John Morreall, a philosopher of humor, believes that one benefit of humor in the evolution of language is allowing humans to describe potentially jolting events without having to actually experience them. This concept resonates with Morreall's view that humor helps to release tension and maintain societal harmony by addressing otherwise uncomfortable topics in a light-hearted manner.
Option 3: Language allows humans to describe jolting events without actually creating them is the most accurate depiction of Morreall's theory in the benefits of humorous language. He asserts that humor, utilizing language as a tool, grants us the ability to make light of potentially disruptive or dangerous situations, thereby sapping their power to create tension and instead fostering a sense of unity and laughter.
The evolution of language and humor contributed to the interpersonal and cultural dimensions that make up human societies. This evolution underscores the interplay of biology and culture, which furthered the development of hominid species into the diverse human societies we know today, incorporating forms of language and humor as key elements in that process.