Schoenemann, P. Thomas, and William S.-Y. Wang, 1996, "Evolutionary principles and the emergence of syntax," Behavioral and Brain Sciences. (invited commentary), v.19(4):646-647.

Abstract

The belief that syntax is an innate, autonomous, species-specific module is highly questionable. Syntax demonstrates the mosaic nature of evolutionary change, in that it made use of (and led to the enhancement of) numerous preexisting neurocognitive feature. It is best understood as an emergent characteristic of the explosion of semantic complexity that occurred during hominid evolution.