psyc2050 lecture 11

Flashcards based on the key concepts from the lecture notes on Comparative and Evolutionary Cognition, focused on primate intelligence, social behavior, and the evolutionary background of cognitive abilities.

What defines the key traits of primates compared to other mammals?

Primates have a greater reliance on vision rather than smell, larger brains relative to body size, five separate digits with fingernails, and are mainly omnivorous.

What did Darwin propose about the relationship between humans and apes?

Darwin proposed that humans are descended from a common ancestor shared with African apes, specifically chimpanzees.

What is the significance of the Clever Hans phenomenon in comparative psychology?

It highlights the importance of ruling out simpler explanations for animal behavior before attributing higher intelligence or understanding.

What is the Machiavellian hypothesis regarding the evolution of intelligence?

It suggests that social intelligence was the primary driver behind the evolution of higher cognitive abilities in primates.

What evidence suggests that chimpanzees have culture?

Chimpanzee culture is evidenced through social learning, including specific behaviors such as tool use and distinct hunting techniques passed down through generations.

What is mirror self-recognition and what does it indicate?

Mirror self-recognition is the ability of an individual to recognize themselves in a mirror, indicating self-awareness, and is primarily observed in great apes.

How does the concept of social hierarchies apply to primate behavior?

Primate social hierarchies are complex and not solely based on size and strength; they involve relationships and dynamics that include grooming and alliances.

What are uniquely human cognitive capacities discussed in comparative cognition?

Uniquely human cognitive capacities include complex reasoning, creativity, language, self-awareness, and a theory of mind.

How do apes demonstrate insight and means-end reasoning?

Apes demonstrate insight through problem-solving tasks that show an understanding of means-end relationships, such as using tools to obtain food.

What is the relevance of phylogenetic reconstruction in understanding cognitive evolution?

Phylogenetic reconstruction helps to trace the evolution of cognitive traits across species, allowing for a comparative analysis of mental capabilities.