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RE: [xmca] http://science.discovery.com/videos/mutant-planet-evolution-japan/

Thanks for passing on the link, Peter. While this may be an example of epigenetic adaptation mediated by 'culture', I would argue that what makes it importantly different from 'distinctively human' forms of cultural transmission is the (apparent) absence of any form of pedagogy. The absence of interest shown by adults in the imitation of their behaviour by infants is rather striking when we observe monkey behaviour but I understand that meerkats have been seen 'scaffolding' the hunting behaviour of their young, e.g. by beginning to dig out prey and then 'handing over' to their young for the final capture or maiming an insect so that their young can manage to catch it.

All the best,

Rod

New book now out - Meeting the child in Steiner kindergartens: An exploration of beliefs, values and practices
 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415603928/ 

-----Original Message-----
From: xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu [mailto:xmca-bounces@weber.ucsd.edu] On Behalf Of Peter Smagorinsky
Sent: 01 May 2011 11:02
To: 'eXtended Mind, Culture, Activity'
Subject: [xmca] http://science.discovery.com/videos/mutant-planet-evolution-japan/

http://science.discovery.com/videos/mutant-planet-evolution-japan/

Change in topic: The Science channel has a terrific series, Mutant Planet,
that looks at evolutionary adaptations in unique locations. Their show on
Japan features primates who appear to be involved in the intelligent
direction of their own evolution, to the extent that the narrator refers to
their adaptations as cultural. This clip shows one such adaptation, but
there are others, with culture invoked as the center of the activity. This
is the most advanced primate behavior I'm aware of, and refutes a lot of the
assertions made by LSV and others in the 1920s about human/primate
distinctions. Fascinating stuff.

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