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Alison Gopnik on Child Development, Elderhood, Caregiving, and A.I.

COMPLEXITY

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Understanding Populations As Groups of Explorers and Exploiters

Populations can be understood through the lens of explorers and exploiters, where some individuals or groups are dedicated to exploring new opportunities while others focus on exploiting existing resources. This division of labor is observed in various species, such as honeybees, where scouts explore and are supported by other bees. Similarly, in human societies, scientists can be compared to the explorers, playing a crucial role in uncovering new knowledge and opportunities for the community. This developmental strategy offers an advantage by minimizing free rider problems and promoting the survival of the organism. It also alleviates some of the group selection issues faced by entire societies when considering the balance between exploration and exploitation.

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