Scientists explore the evolutionary purposes of animal play beyond survival instincts
By
Jason Bittel
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The article explores animal play behaviors that go beyond survival instincts, examining examples like crows snowboarding on plastic lids and orcas wearing dead salmon as hats. It discusses how scientists are uncovering the deeper evolutionary purposes of play across diverse species, from birds and mammals to reptiles, fish, cephalopods, and insects, suggesting that play may serve important developmental, social, and cognitive functions beyond mere survival.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe tend to think of animals as survival machines, their every action designed to help them avoid threats, fulfill needs, and find mates.
What are we to make of a crow that repeatedly places a discarded plastic lid at the top of a snowy roof and then rides it down the pitch like a snowboard?
What evolutionary purpose could these behaviors possibly serve?
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