What is Blakemore’ s explanation on the jump in brain size?

W: Until 200, 000 years ago, there had been a gradual increasing brain size among humans. Then, abruptly there was a remarkable increase of about 30% or so. Oxford expert Colin Blakemore gives a new explanation on this in a recent interview. Dr. Blakemore, how have scientists explained this jump in brain size?
M: Well, many scientists have argued that whether there was a dramatic increase in brain size. There must have been a fantastic advantage like more complex language and other cultural changes. What they mean is that simple natural selection explains what happened.
W: And what is your take on this view?
M: I think they are fooling themselves. There was very little change in human behavior at this time. I don’ t think a sudden jump can explain any evolutionary issue.
W: So, Dr. Blakemore, in your opinion, what did happen?
M: I think the sudden expansion was dramatically changing the brain of one person. This change then spreads to the species. A change in a single gene would be enough.
W: What effect do you think it had?
M: Very little at first, I believe. The environment of early humans was very rich in resources. This new brain could be sustained without danger. Later, when times got hard, during draught or climate changes, for example, its help does deal with this crisis, like coming up with novel ideas.
W: Ah, that sounds really interesting. What are the implications of this idea?
M: Some scientists believe that skills like language have a strong genetic basis , but my theory stresses the opposite. I believe that our now powerful brains pick up knowledge, and that knowledge is the crucial mental component. It means that we are uniquely gifted in our ability to learn from experience and to pass this on to future generations.