Final answer:
The price humans pay for spoken language is an evolutionary adaptation caused by a lower position of the larynx and epiglottis, enabling the development of a unique vocal tract that enables humans to produce a wider range of sounds and speak more words in sequence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The price humans pay for spoken language is an evolutionary adaptation caused by a lower position of the larynx and epiglottis. This lower position allows for the development of a unique vocal tract that enables humans to produce a wider range of sounds and speak more words in sequence.
Throughout human evolution, the descended larynx and large tongue have undergone changes to accommodate the production of complex speech. The position of the vocal structures in early human ancestors allowed for both eating and breathing at the same time, while in modern humans, these structures enable the manipulation of sounds for speech production.
Research suggests that the development of the vocal tract occurred around 500,000 years ago, giving early humans, including Neanderthals, the ability to produce complex speech similar to modern humans.