Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda
David Toomey: Want to play?
Jul 23, 2024
David Toomey, expert on play behavior, discusses how play shapes survival skills, empathy, and morality in various creatures like octopuses, crows, and bees. Play is more than fun; it's crucial for evolution and life skills. The episode also explores interspecies play interactions and the impact of play on behavior and morality in animals.
36:50
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Quick takeaways
- Play in animals goes beyond survival, teaching life skills and empathy.
- Observing playful interactions in animals may offer insights into the development of social skills and morality.
Deep dives
Animals Engage in Play for Enjoyment
Octopuses, crows, rats, pigs, dolphins, and even bees exhibit playful behaviors not driven by survival necessities. Researchers observed octopuses engaging in play by pushing pill bottles into water streams repeatedly, showcasing enjoyment for the activity.
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