

The surprising culture of the animal kingdom
32 snips Aug 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andy Radford, a Professor of Behavioural Ecology, reveals how vocalizations aid in social dynamics among animals. Jemima Scrase, a PhD candidate, shares her insights on matriarchal leadership in African elephants, highlighting their complex social structures. Manon Schweinfurth, a Senior Lecturer, delves into the evolutionary roots of cooperation, showcasing fascinating examples from various species. Together, they explore animal intelligence, communication, and the challenges posed by human activity, shedding light on the rich cultures of the animal kingdom.
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Matriarchs Hold Decision Power
- African elephant groups defer decisions to the oldest female, who acts as a knowledge holder.
- Age-linked experience, not force, gives matriarchs influence over group choices.
Birds Learn Other Species' Calls
- Superb fairy wrens learn and use the alarm calls of other species to their advantage.
- They effectively 'translate' foreign calls and apply the information in their environment.
Vocal Records Drive Evening Rewards
- Dwarf mongooses track cooperative acts using vocal signals during the day.
- The group later rewards helpers with extra grooming at the burrow that evening.