Re: Large Brains Evolved For Social Competition

From: Rich Travsky (traRvEsky_at_hotMOVEmail.com)
Date: 09/27/04 

Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 18:50:09 -0600

Marc Verhaegen once again confuses doggies and
primates:
>
> "Rich Travsky" <traRvEsky@hotMOVEmail.com> denies primates are animals in
> message news:41329A46.76F7F68@hotMOVEmail.com...
> > Marc Verhaegen wrote:
> > >
> > > "Rich Travsky" <traRvEsky@hotMOVEmail.com> sees doggies in message
> > > news:41297689.197BA98E@hotMOVEmail.com...
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/social_sciences/report-32083.html
> > > Why did human ancestors evolve such large brains? While humans have an
> > > unusual array of characteristics that distinguish us from other species,
> it
> > > is our cognitive abilities and open-ended thinking that are most
> remarkable.
> > > University of Missouri-Columbia researchers found that the ability to
> excel
> > > at social problem solving led human brains to surpass other species in
> size,
> > > developing ecological dominance 1.5 to 2 million years ago.
> > >
> > > > > > > The usual just-so thinking: no evidence, just wishful thinking.
> > > Social competition is seen in all animals. The only sound approach is
> > > looking at other mammals with brain enlargement. The most social
> primates
> > > don't have the largest brains (OWMs have rel.smaller brains than NWMs &
> > > apes). Brain enlargement in mammals is seen esp. in odontocetes, seals,
> > > otters... Note not all parts of the human brain are enhanced, eg, we
> have a
> > > much smaller olfactory bulb than chimps & a +-smaller portion in the
> pre- &
> > > postcentral areas for the lower extremities. These are important clues
> often
> > > "forgotten" by traditional PAs.
> > >
> > > > > > The size of the brain isn't the only factor.
> > >
> > > > > That's what I'm saying. Please re-read.
> > >
> > > > It's *the* major factor. And seals and otters have nothing to do with
> it.
> > >
> > > I'm not interested in your opinion. facts, man.
> >
> > Seals and otters were your opinion.
> >
> > > > > > Besides humans and chimps, how many other primates are capable of
> > > deceit?
> > >
> > > > > 1) It's not because it hasn't been investigated, that it doesn't
> exist.
> > >
> > > > Huh?
> > >
> > > Huh?
> >
> > What do you mean by "It's not because it hasn't been investigated, that it
> > doesn't exist"
> >
> > > > > 2) Deceit is seen outside Primates, eg, in crows & dogs.
> > >
> > > > Those aren't primates.
> > >
> > > Yes. And?
> >
> > Then they're not under consideration.
> >
> > > > > 3) If only humans & chimps are capable of deceit (as you seem to
> > > believe??) this doesn't offer an explanation for "why did human
> ancestors
> > > evolve such large brains?".
> > >
> > > > We're only talking about primates. Don't know why you want to bring up
> > > doggies.
> > >
> > > Not following? Humans & chimps are primates. Do you see the word doggies
> in
> > > 3)??
> >
> > It's in 2)
> >
> > > > > > That certainly qualifies as social competition.
> > >
> > > > > So? Do you believe that only spp that are capable of deceit have
> social
> > > competition??
> > >
> > > > We're only talking about primates.
> > >
> > > Huh?
> >
> > The discussion is about primates.

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