How did conscience evolve in humans?

Answer 1

We see the equivalent of conscience in some animals. It is believed that those species, in which members depend on each other and therefore need to cooperate and rely on mutual trust, develop a conscience. Successful tribal groups are those in which the majority of individuals instinctively to the right thing to help others.
A desire to be respected is also seen as leading to conscience. This trait has also been observed in lower animals. In order to be respected by others in the group, the individual needs to act in accordance with what we would call a conscience.
Of course, the conscience is reinforced by individual experience. When parents and elders teach their young to "be good", this also becomes programmed into the person as an adult. On the other hand, if a child's role models act in ways contrary to society, then the inherited role of the conscience will be weakened.

Answer 2

Conscience likely evolved in humans as a way to promote social cohesion and cooperation within groups. It helps to regulate behaviors and limit harm to others, enhancing survival and reproductive success. Over time, those individuals with a strong sense of conscience may have been more likely to form successful social bonds and pass on their genes, leading to the prevalence of a conscience in human populations.