From The vertebrate larynx: adaptations and aberrations

CONCLUSION

The phylogeny of the larynx shows a steady progression from the simple slit on the floor of the lungfish’s pharynx to the exquisite precision of the human vocal apparatus. The frog has acquired a cricoid cartilage; the crocodile, an epiglottic ana- logue; the snake, an extendable larynx; the mam- mal, a cricothyroid joint and membranous vocal folds. In Homo sapiens, the vocal fold is adjustable in length, tension and shape, giving the human larynx top honors for vocal versatility. But somewhere along the course of evolutionary time, man must have been influenced by his chosen (or predestined) role as a speaker and singer, trading off airway protection for precise control of his vocal output. The cost has been surprisingly reasonable-only a rare “café coronary” and the need to learn the Heimlich maneuver. While natural selection among wild animals tends to perpetuate those features that meet the requirements of function and gradually elimi- nate those that do not, the process can be frustrated through selective breeding imposed by man. The crippled larynx of most Thoroughbred horses and brachycephalic dogs are outstanding examples.

Café coronary sounded like a fun term, so I looked that up too. It got its name from people choking on food in restaurants. Since choking is often silent instead of the loud affair it gets played up as in media, people mistake it for a heart attack, potentially delaying treatment for their actual condition.