What does the term "Cultural Evolution" refer to in terms of human evolution?

The term "Cultural Evolution" in the context of human evolution specifically refers to the development of social behaviors and technologies within human societies. This encompasses how cultural practices, beliefs, tools, and technologies evolve over time through learning, innovation, and social interactions. These advancements can significantly influence human survival, social structures, and interactions with the environment.

Cultural evolution is distinct from biological evolution, which focuses more on genetic changes over generations. Instead, it highlights the ways in which knowledge and practices are transmitted both within and between generations, leading to changes that can spread through populations rapidly, sometimes at a pace that outstrips biological changes.

This process is crucial for understanding how human societies adapt to challenges, improve their living conditions, and develop complex social structures that can include language, art, and cooperative behaviors—elements that are essential to our identity as humans.