Kevin Simler

probably, also some pretty strong hormonal and pheremonal/etc attachment as well

that stuff is powerful but I've been reading anthropology and it turns out to be sort of less reliable than you'd think

if it worked for an unbroken line of my ancestors, it's reliable enough for me :)

sure, but part of the explanation is (apparently) that the hormonal stuff kicks in better in humans when mother

has positive assessment of baby's prospects (and her prospects of having help), as compared to other great apes

so if you want bonding to keep working as well in the future as it did in the past, that's crucial.

oh, that's fascinating (and kind of scary). Any quick links to read more?

been reading books of Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, will try to find you something linkable later if this 5-month-old allows ;)