NOT A CHIMP

Are we humans simply remodelled apes? Chimps with a tweak? Is the difference between our genomes so minuscule it justifies the argument that our cognition and behaviour must also differ from chimps by barely a whisker? If “chimps are us” should we grant them human rights? Or is this one of the biggest fallacies in the study of evolution? NOT A CHIMP argues that these similarities have been grossly over-exaggerated - we should keep chimps at arm’s length. Are humans cognitively unique after all?

Friday, 31 January 2014

Teaching young wolves new tricks

http://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/infoservice/presseinformation/press-releases-2014/press-release-01-30-2014-teaching-young-wolves-new-tricks/

Interesting piece from scientists in Vienna who show that wolves are better at opening food containers if they are able to watch con-specifics previously doing so successfully, than dogs. In other words, wolves are better at imitating other wolves than dogs are other dogs. The suggestion is that, under domestication, dogs have transferred their imitative focus to humans and away from their own species.

NOT A CHIMP

Friday, 31 January 2014

Teaching young wolves new tricks

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