Stuff You Should Know How We’re Learning to Talk to Animals
21 snips
Aug 15, 2023 Dive into the fascinating efforts to decode animal languages, where researchers are learning to communicate with species like sperm whales and prairie dogs. Discover how technology enhances our understanding of complex animal communications, reshaping perceptions of their emotional depth. Explore the evolution of these interactions, revealing that language isn't just a human trait. Plus, uncover the compelling connections between whale songs and environmental activism, highlighting the intricate social dynamics within the animal kingdom.
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Puppy Dog Eyes
- Dogs evolved a muscle in their eyebrows called the levator anguli oculi medialis.
- This muscle allows them to make "puppy dog eyes", increasing adoption rates.
The Science of Cute
- Exaggerated eye shapes in dogs, influenced by the levator anguli oculi medialis muscle, trigger the "Kindchenschema" effect in humans.
- This makes dogs appear cuter and more appealing, impacting human-animal interaction.
Shift in Animal Behavior Research
- Observational studies, starting in the 60s with researchers like Jane Goodall, revolutionized animal behavior research.
- These studies revealed complex animal interactions, like empathy, challenging prior assumptions of purely instinctual behavior.
