Monday, December 26, 2011
See what happens when you experiment?
In New Superstitionist, an interesting account of reptilian intelligence. Until recently, turtles and lizards had been tested in various lab experiments, but had performed dismally compared to any bird or mammal.
Easy assumption from "evolutionary" theory: they're more primitive, thus we can't expect them to be as smart as the later-evolved critters.
Nope.
Behavioral labs are designed to be comfortable for humans and rats. Nobody stopped to think that reptiles like it hot! ¶ 6:45 PM
Easy assumption from "evolutionary" theory: they're more primitive, thus we can't expect them to be as smart as the later-evolved critters.
Nope.
Wilkinson and Hall were now interested in why reptiles had performed so poorly in previous cognitive studies. Taking a closer look at the reports, they found the problem. The earlier research had been done at cool temperatures, which left the cold-blooded animals feeling sluggish. Moses, by contrast, had performed at 29C, near the average temperature of the red-footed tortoise's native habitat in Central and South America. The warmer temperatures boosted Moses's metabolism, making him alert, lively and ready to conquer a maze.
Behavioral labs are designed to be comfortable for humans and rats. Nobody stopped to think that reptiles like it hot! ¶ 6:45 PM
