14 - Primate Intelligence Flashcards
1
Q
How are large brains costly
A
Metabolic costs (20% BMR), Reproductive
age, lifespan, interbirth interval, litter size
2
Q
What imposes serious constraints on evolution of brain size, despite possible benefits
A
High proportion of energy allocated to brain tissue
3
Q
r selected species
A
Reproduce quickly, have many offspring, and invest little in each.
4
Q
K selected species
A
Reproduce slowly, have few offspring, and invest heavily n parental care.
5
Q
Social factors that favoured large brain size in primates
A
- Evolution of group living provided context for complex social interactions
- Competition over food, mates, grooming partners
6
Q
Ecological Factors that favoured large brain size in primates
A
- Cognitive skills associated
with frugivory (evaluate toxicity, ripeness and good memory) - Cognitive skills associated with extracted foods (e.g. shelled nuts)
- Cognitive skills linked to
innovation and behavioural
flexibility
7
Q
Theory of mind
A
The ability to attribute mental states — (e.g. beliefs, intents, knowledge) — to others and to understand that others’ mental states may differ from one’s own
