1min snip

COMPLEXITY cover image

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

COMPLEXITY

NOTE

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.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode