Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id NAA06458 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Fri, 23 Nov 2001 13:08:56 GMT Message-ID: <2D1C159B783DD211808A006008062D3102A6D145@inchna.stir.ac.uk> From: Vincent Campbell <v.p.campbell@stir.ac.uk> To: "'memetics@mmu.ac.uk'" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> Subject: RE: Study shows brain can learn without really trying Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 13:04:21 -0000 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Content-Type: text/plain Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Point kind of taken, although clearly the environment is a factor because
what is being imitated is a specificaly altered environment. These
experiments demonstrate flexibility in guppies mate choice, so they are not
completely genetically determined, but does make them still environmentally
sensitive. Environmental cues triggering different responses- even when
that environment is the collective behaviour of others? (e.g. the people
facing away from the lift door stunt on candid camera- with three of more
people newcomers will copy everyone else in the lift- less than that and
they won't- is that imitative choice? or pre-programmed response to external
stimuli?).
Vincent
> ----------
> From: Ray Recchia
> Reply To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2001 12:52 am
> To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
> Subject: Re: Study shows brain can learn without really trying
>
> At 11:55 AM 11/22/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>
>
> Hi Wade
>
>
>
>
> Similar environments populated by similar species produce similar
> behaviors. No imitation of any sort is required.
>
> Imitation itself in such models is an illusion.
>
> - WadE
>
>
> Mate selection in guppies. Guppies generally show a preference for
> brightly colored males. Trick a female into seeing other females near a
> drab male guppy and the female will subsequently choose the drab male
> over the brightly colored male. That has nothing to do with environment.
> It's imitation. There are theoretical models which indicate that imitation
> is favored when food sources are large but widely scattered and others
> that indicate that imitation under these circumstances can cause changes
> in population and influence the evolution of a species. What research
> has been done appears to contradict your statement
>
> Ray Recchia.
>
>
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This was distributed via the memetics list associated with the
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For information about the journal and the list (e.g. unsubscribing)
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