Friday 25 August 2023

EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL LEARNING

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has stated in one of his recent speeches that it is obvious that evolution will continue for all species that continue to reproduce. There will be more mutations, and the fittest will continue to survive.

However, we know that the world's chicken population is 33 billion, while the populations of pork and cattle are close to 1 billion each. These figures show us that these animals, in total, are four times more populous than humankind is. Despite this, none of them is on an evolutionary track. We only select the more productive breeds.

The saying "big fish eats the small fish" implies that the goal of the small fish should be to become a big fish as soon as possible and before becoming prey.

There is a slight conflict between Dawkins' argument on reproductive activity and the feeding habits that we have.

Some monotheistic religions encourage, and even sanctify, having as many children as possible. We may believe to this as a support to the divine evolution process.

Currently, the top 10% of the world's population holds 85% of the world's total wealth.


What's worse is that this imbalance continues to deteriorate in contrast to the poorer counterparts, with the top 10% becoming even wealthier.

How can we secure a place within the top 10%? Are these top 10% of people more evolved than the remaining 90%? We know that the size of our brain is very similar among all individuals.

At this stage, I would like to introduce you to evolutionary biologist Kevin Laland, who emphasizes the importance of social learning abilities in living creatures. If we are not innately very talented, our struggle will rely solely on social learning.

AVRAM AJI

25.08.2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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