speculation about the evolution of Talking and Listening

[wildfunguy]

It occured to me that the fundamental need to discuss topics of interest has obvious benefits for human fitness. But can evolution explain why so many humans talk more than they listen? Wouldn't the listener be at an advantage because they would learn more? Is the prevalance of talking over listening just the result of a certain environment?

[Rap]

Talking/Listening can be a dominance/submission issue. Dominants tend to be more fit. (See Lord of the Flies and the story of the conch shell)

[Rap]

Also, there is the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" effect. "Greased wheels" are more fit.