Not just humans: Bees and chimps can also pass on their skills
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-humans-bees-chimps-skills.html

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn skills from their peers so complicated that they could never have mastered them on their own, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans, two studies said on Wednesday.

More…

Tau.Neutrino said:

Not just humans: Bees and chimps can also pass on their skills
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-humans-bees-chimps-skills.html

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn skills from their peers so complicated that they could never have mastered them on their own, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans, two studies said on Wednesday.

More…

“an ability previously thought to be unique to humans,”

Is that really what was previously thought?

Surely not!

The Rev Dodgson said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Not just humans: Bees and chimps can also pass on their skills
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-humans-bees-chimps-skills.html

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn skills from their peers so complicated that they could never have mastered them on their own, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans, two studies said on Wednesday.

More…

“an ability previously thought to be unique to humans,”

Is that really what was previously thought?

Surely not!

In response to:

is the ability to learn complex procedures unique to humans?

my chatbot told me:

“Learning is a fascinating and intricate process that occurs throughout our lives. While humans indeed possess remarkable abilities for learning, it’s essential to recognize that this capacity is not exclusive to us. Let’s delve into the complexity of learning:

Biological and Cultural Aspects:
Learning is an ongoing process that intertwines both biological and cultural factors. Each individual functions within a complex system of developmental, cognitive, physical, social, and cultural influences.
The brain itself changes throughout our lifespan due to learning. Simultaneously, the brain’s development is shaped by the learner’s context and cultural surroundings1.

Human Brain and Learning:
Our brains are uniquely suited for learning due to their intricate architectureSynergistic processing occurs in brain regions that support a wide range of complex cognitive functions, including attention, learning, working memory, social cognition, and numerical understanding2.

Large-scale cooperation in human societies arises from our potent capacities for social learning and teaching. These abilities allow us to transmit knowledge and skills across generations, leading to cultural evolution3.

In summary, while humans excel in learning, other animals also exhibit impressive learning capabilities. Our ability to learn complex procedures is a product of both our biology and the rich cultural context in which we exist”

The Rev Dodgson said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Not just humans: Bees and chimps can also pass on their skills
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-humans-bees-chimps-skills.html

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn skills from their peers so complicated that they could never have mastered them on their own, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans, two studies said on Wednesday.

More…

“an ability previously thought to be unique to humans,”

Is that really what was previously thought?

Surely not!

In response to:

is the ability to learn complex procedures unique to humans?

my chatbot told me:

“Learning is a fascinating and intricate process that occurs throughout our lives. While humans indeed possess remarkable abilities for learning, it’s essential to recognize that this capacity is not exclusive to us. Let’s delve into the complexity of learning:

Biological and Cultural Aspects:
Learning is an ongoing process that intertwines both biological and cultural factors. Each individual functions within a complex system of developmental, cognitive, physical, social, and cultural influences.
The brain itself changes throughout our lifespan due to learning. Simultaneously, the brain’s development is shaped by the learner’s context and cultural surroundings1.

Human Brain and Learning:
Our brains are uniquely suited for learning due to their intricate architectureSynergistic processing occurs in brain regions that support a wide range of complex cognitive functions, including attention, learning, working memory, social cognition, and numerical understanding2.

Large-scale cooperation in human societies arises from our potent capacities for social learning and teaching. These abilities allow us to transmit knowledge and skills across generations, leading to cultural evolution3.

In summary, while humans excel in learning, other animals also exhibit impressive learning capabilities. Our ability to learn complex procedures is a product of both our biology and the rich cultural context in which we exist”

Crows teach their young-uns to use a rear leg to turn cane toads onto their back before eating them.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Not just humans: Bees and chimps can also pass on their skills
https://phys.org/news/2024-03-humans-bees-chimps-skills.html

Bumblebees and chimpanzees can learn skills from their peers so complicated that they could never have mastered them on their own, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans, two studies said on Wednesday.

More…

I have not read the piece. But…unique to humans? Have these people never had their old dog teach the new pup the rules and the tricks they have learnt? Since one of our Boxers learnt to open the back wire door with a paw, the skill has been passed along to the following dogs. One of them even taught it to The Pug. We’ve had left footers, and right footers.