ABSTRACT
Whenever population growth depends on the retention and expansion of territory, aggression and effectiveness in mobilizing resources to beat rivals become the dominating factors in natural selection. Inevitably for such a struggle some strains of humans were better suited than others. The most favourably placed were the hunters. Hunters had developed weapons specially adapted for killing large game. Such weapons could equally well be turned against rival humans in the contest for territory. Hunters were also socially ready. Since hunters cannot run as fast as their quarry, they need to resort to co-operative action in developing tactics and preparing ambushes. Their ability to operate as an emotionally bonded team meant that only minor modifications of their natural behaviour were needed for military engagements. Hunters also had the nutritional advantages of consuming meat. Their protein-rich diet provided a long-lasting supply of energy, leaving them ample time in which to improve their tools and discuss their strategies. Being accustomed to leaving home to track down large animals, offering the greatest prizes, they were ready to endure a long and demanding campaign of war.
