Bob Fischer: The case for including insects in our animal advocacy
How I Learned to Love Shrimp
00:00
Size Bias and Insects: Insects Exhibit Mammal Behaviors & Were Larger In Prehistoric Times
Size bias may be justified due to the assumption that smaller animals have smaller brains with less capacity for complex emotions, but this correlation lacks solid evidence. Insects exhibit a variety of complex behaviors typically associated with larger animals, such as monogamous parental care, long-term memory, and social learning. Despite the historical shrinkage in insect sizes, these interesting traits and behaviors have persisted. Therefore, the belief that size correlates with cognitive abilities is not a reliable heuristic, especially considering the evolution and diverse capabilities demonstrated by insects over time.
Transcript
Play full episode
