From: Philip Jonkers (ephilution@attbi.com)
Date: Fri 18 Oct 2002 - 07:56:03 GMT
> Wade:
> > In birdsong- is the bird aware another bird is listening? I'm not
> > convinced, as we can do the 'turing' test with birds and pass. (We can
> > make a machine that imitates birdsong.)
>
> As far as I know the whole idea for the bird to sing it
> to attract the attention of potential mates. I don't think
> it's relevant to ask whether the bird thinks there is
> a mate lurking out there or not, only the presence of the
> bird's `wish' is what counts and propels the bird to sing.
>
> If the bird's singing a lot it shows of its vigour and
> good health, qualities the conjugate gender desires
> for reproduction. Hence the Frank Sinatras among birds
> again end up with the most chicks. As a side-effect, the more birds sings
> the more they advertise their songs and
> thus increase chances of memetic transmission
> to susceptible birds (notably young wannabe
> Frank Sinatra birds which most likely are of the
> same species and gender).
>
> Phil.
>
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