Primate tool use and the socio-ecology of thinging: how non-humans think through tools

2020 ◽  
pp. 105971232094362
Author(s):  
Hannah Mosley
Keyword(s):  
Tool Use ◽  
Energetic Efficiency ◽  
Physical Cognition ◽  
Material Engagement Theory ◽  
Animal Minds ◽  
Engagement Theory ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Human Primate ◽  
Emergent Species

While ecological psychology and embodied approaches to cognition have gained traction within the literature on non-human primate tool use, a fear of making assumptions on behalf of animal minds means that their application has been conservative, often retaining the methodological individualism of the cognitivist approach. As a result, primate models for technical and cognitive evolution, rooted in the teleological functionalism of the Neo-Darwinist approach, reduce tool use to the unit of the individual, conflating technology with technique and physical cognition with problem-solving computations of energetic efficiency. This article attempts, through the application of material engagement theory, to explore non-human primate technology as a non-individualistic phenomenon in which technique is co-constructed through the ontogenetic development of skill within a dynamic system of structured action affordances and material interactions which constitute an emergent, species-specific mode of technical cognition.

scholarly journals Estimation of above-ground phytomass and carbon in tree resources outside the forest (TROF): A geo-spatial approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. P. Heyojoo ◽  
S. Nandy
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Image ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Specific Standard ◽  
Vegetation Carbon ◽  
Carbon Project ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

This study aims to estimate above-ground phytomass and carbon of TROF ecosystem in part of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh state of India using IRS P6 LISS-IV satellite image by geo-spatial approach coupled with field sampling. Chacko’s formula was referred to compute number of samples in each TROF types and the sample plot size in each stratum was adopted from Vegetation Carbon Project (VCP) under National Carbon Project (NCP). With the help of field data consisting mainly the height and girth information, volume of each individual tree per plot was obtained using site and tree species-specific standard volumetric equations. The phytomass was calculated by multiplying volume with Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF) then with regional specific gravity of the individual species and summed up in each plot to get total phytomass per plot. The total phytomass per plot was reported to be maximum 544.00 t/ha for linear TROF followed by 121.89 t/ha for block TROF. The carbon from phytomass was obtained by multiplying the total phytomass by a conversion factor that represents the average carbon content in phytomass. Spectral modeling for phytomass with different bands and indices were established and the best fit curve (R2 = 0.552) with red band was applied to generate phytomass and carbon distribution map of the study area.Banko Janakari, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 34-40

Use of space, active and resting behaviour in fattening rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) housed in a combi park system: A case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-506
Author(s):  
S Kimm ◽  
SL Rauterberg ◽  
J Bill ◽  
J Stracke ◽  
N Kemper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Use Of Space ◽  
Continuous Sampling ◽  
Resting Behaviour ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

In this case study, a housing system for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was developed, complying with the new German Welfare Regulation, and evaluated on-farm with regard to the rabbits' behaviour during four fattening periods. The housing system was characterised by the large group size of fatteners (maximum 65 animals per group, 12 animals per m²) due to the merging of six former single units for does and their litters, post-weaning. A large elevated platform, a box with a roof (small elevated platform), a tube and gnawing materials were made available per unit. The aim being to assess the suitability of the housing system for rabbits with regard to animal welfare, based on behavioural analyses. Therefore, the use of space by the rabbits (n = 247) was investigated by video analysis (instantaneous scan sampling) during daytime. Additionally, the individual behaviour of 20 focal rabbits in different locations was assessed by continuous sampling. Results showed that rabbits preferred to huddle together in the outer units in the first weeks post-weaning. The highest animal densities were found under and in front of the large and on the small platforms. The large platforms were visited increasingly from the 10th fattening day onwards. Elevated platforms supported resting and comfort behaviours. Nonelevated open-top areas enabled upright positions and locomotor behaviours. Aggression and stereotypic behaviours rarely occurred. We conclude that the housing system supported species-specific behaviour and seemed to cater for the needs of rabbits in terms of welfare. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to ascertain the effects on animal health and performance.

Biomass models for three species with different growth forms and geographic distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic forest

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Heitor Felippe Uller ◽  
Laio Zimermann Oliveira ◽  
Aline Renata Klitzke ◽  
Joberto Veloso de Freitas ◽  
Alexander Christian Vibrans
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Brazilian Atlantic Forest ◽  
Growth Forms ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Generic Models ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Individual Trees

Allometric models embedding independent variables such as diameter at breast height (d) and total height (h) are useful tools to predict the biomass of individual trees. Models for tropical forests are often constructed based on datasets composed of species with different morphological features and architectural models. It is reasonable to expect, however, that species-specific models may reduce uncertainties in biomass predictions, especially for palms, tree ferns, and trees with peculiar morphological features, such as stilt roots and hollow trunks. In this sense, three species with wide geographical distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were sampled, namely Euterpe edulis Mart., Cyathea delgadii Sternb., and Cecropia glaziovii Snethl., with the aim to (i) quantify their aboveground biomass (AGB), (ii) evaluate the AGB distribution in different plant compartments, (iii) fit species-specific models for predicting AGB at the individual level, and (iv) assess the performance of specific and generic models available in the literature to predict the AGB of individuals of these species. The compartment stem represented, on average, ∼74% of the total AGB of E. edulis individuals; in turn, the caudex compartment of C. delgadii represented, on average, ∼87% of the total AGB, while the trunk compartment of C. glaziovii represented, on average, ∼74%. Among the fitted models, the power model [Formula: see text] showed the best performance for E. edulis and C. delgadii. In turn, the asymptotic logistic model [Formula: see text], where dc is the diameter above the upper stilt root, presented the best performance for C. glaziovii. The variable h appeared as the most important predictor of AGB of E. edulis and C. delgadii; in contrast, the stem and caudex mean basic specific gravities were not suitable predictors. The fitted species-specific models outperformed the specific and generic models selected from the literature. They may, therefore, contribute to the reduction of uncertainties in AGB estimates. In addition, the results support evidence that specific models may be necessary for species with different growth forms and (or) peculiar morphological features, especially those with great abundance and wide geographic distribution.

Imagining

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D. Hutto ◽  
Erik Myin
Keyword(s):  
States Of Mind ◽  
Material Engagement Theory ◽  
Standard Assumption ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Engagement Theory ◽  
Cognitive Work ◽  
Hybrid Account ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Right

Chapter 8 challenges the standard assumption that all imagination must be representational by showing that it is easier to understand the most fundamental kind of imaginings in terms of perceptual re-enactments that are wholly interactive and non-contentful in character. Combining REC with Material Engagement Theory, MET, it is revealed how basic, non-contentful imaginings might acquire their anticipatory and interactional profiles through embodied engagements with worldly offerings. Building on Langland-Hassan’s analysis of imaginative attitudes, the chapter goes on to develop a REC friendly hybrid account of nonbasic imaginings. Accordingly, the specific content and correctness conditions of nonbasic, hybrid imaginative attitudes arise from a combination of contentless sensory imaginings and the surrounding contentful attitudes of imaginers. It is argued that such hybrid states of mind have the right properties for explaining the many and varied kinds of cognitive work that imaginings do for us in our daily lives.

Inferring functional patterns of tool use behavior from the temporal structure of object play sequences in a non-human primate species

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 ◽  
pp. 112938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Cenni ◽  
Maurizio Casarrubea ◽  
Noëlle Gunst ◽  
Paul L. Vasey ◽  
Sergio M. Pellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tool Use ◽  
Temporal Structure ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Object Play ◽  
Functional Patterns ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
Human Primate

Hemispheric laterality and an evolutionary perspective

1981 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. Bradshaw
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Hemispheric Specialization ◽  
Physical Property ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Evolutionary Perspective ◽  
Specific Behavior ◽  
Evolutionary Advantage ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Prior State

Denenberg rightly stresses the importance of studying ethologically meaningful species-specific behavior in animals, and makes the interesting distinction between lateralization at an individual and at a population level. However, in the case of man, I believe Denenberg is wrong in arguing that lateralization in the individual increases with maturation. The overall evidence nowadays tends very much to the contrary. Moreover, with respect to a population, why should it become lateralized? If there is indeed an advantage for the individual in hemispheric specialization, why should the direction of such specialization be so consistent across a majority of individuals, whether human or, as Denenberg points out, other members of the phylum? Is there an evolutionary advantage in most animals' sharing the same direction, or is it a necessary consequence of some other preexisting, more fundamental anatomical, biochemical, or physical property of the organism and its constituents? If the former, why are not all members of the species, rather than just a majority, lateralized in the same direction? (Or, to put it another way, what is the evolutionary advantage to the species or individual of dimorphism, of retaining a minority who polarize in the opposite direction?) If the latter - i.e., if lateralization is a necessary consequence of some prior state - then there should not be any dimorphism, exceptions, or minority members, unless they are somehow disadvantaged in consequence. Indeed, there is some evidence of a cognitive deficit in sinistrals, though it is disputed (see Bradshaw 1980 for review), and others have even suggested that the species as a whole may benefit in some way from such an uneven dimorphism (Levy 1974), but what evidence is there for such propositions with respect to rats, apes, monkeys, or chicks? This is an issue that should be addressed in any general model that includes laterality in animals. [See Corhallis & Morgan: “On the Biological Basis of Human Laterality” BBS 1(2) 1978.]

SEARCHING BEHAVIOUR OF ADULT FEMALE COCCINELLIDAE (COLEOPTERA) ON STEM AND LEAF MODELS

1994 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.D. Frazer ◽  
R.R. McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Side Branch ◽  
Searching Behaviour ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Branching Patterns ◽  
Wooden Dowel ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractBehaviour of locally occurring adult females of seven species of coccinellids was assessed on wooden dowel and paper models that mimicked branching patterns and arrangements of leaf attachments to stems. Ambient temperature and hunger of the beetles were controlled. The movements up or down the main branch of the branch models when contacted from a side branch, duration of searching, and method of leaving leaf models were recorded for 20 beetles of each species.Each species responded to the seven models with different frequencies of behaviours that reflected species-specific modifications of the taxes that lead coccinellids to the tops and terminal parts of plants. Some beetles consistently modified the pattern of responses on die models that was displayed by die species as a whole. The individual modifications could be selected for. The differences in frequencies of behaviours were judged to be sufficient to result in differences in the efficiency with which plants with different architectures were searched.

Childhood and advances in human tool use

2012 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Tool Use ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Cognitive Trait ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractHuman life history incorporates childhood, a lengthy post-weaning period of dependency. This species-specific period provides an opportunity for extensive learning and for sophisticated cultural behaviors to develop, including crucial tool use skills. Although I agree that no individual cognitive trait singularly differentiates humans from other animals, I suggest here that without childhood, the traits that are key to human tool use would not emerge.

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