Susan/Gerda,

Cognitive scientists/neurologists distinguish two types of responses that relate to free will. Responses like blinking, pupillary reflexes, most eye movements, responses to sudden movements or loud noise, etc. are often called reflexes, are automatic, unlearned, and not subject to free will. On the other hand, control of the senses related to decision making, especially paying attention are largely unlearned, but subject to free will--we can choose whether or not we wish to pay attention.

Communication is almost entirely learned through developmental processes, but also is subject to free will. I don't think we have any idea how these abilities evolved.

Ray