Local convergence of behavior across species
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Research Findings
Humans, mammals and birds that live in a particular environment share a common set of behavioral traits, according to a new Science study. The findings suggest that local conditions may select for similar behaviors in both humans and nonhuman animals.
Humans often focus on how different we are from other animals. Certainly, there are some important differences, but more and more we are learning that we differ by degree rather than kind. We see these similarities most clearly when we look at human populations that live a more traditional, foraging lifestyle. Barsbai et al. compared more than 300 such foraging human populations with mammal and bird species living in the same environment across a wide array of environmental conditions (see the Perspective by Hill and Boyd). They found that all three groups converged with regard to foraging, social, and reproductive behaviors. Thus, adaptation to environmental selection shapes similar responses across a wide diversity of life forms.
Behavior is a way for organisms to respond flexibly to the environmental conditions they encounter. Our own species exhibits large behavioral flexibility and occurs in all terrestrial habitats, sharing these environments with many other species. It remains unclear to what extent a shared environment constrains behavior and whether these constraints apply similarly across species. Here, we show that foraging human populations and nonhuman mammal and bird species that live in a given environment exhibit high levels of similarity in their foraging, reproductive, and social behaviors. Our findings suggest that local conditions may select for similar behaviors in both humans and nonhuman animals.
Sanatana Dharma and Local convergence
If you see Hindu Sastra based Dincharya, all animate-inanimate objects in neighborhood are considered part of the family. We don’t see them different. Impact of Prana is localized, was known fact to our society. Other researchers in the field of microbiology have also proved that the microbes are location-specific. Bird of same species has more local diet sharing with other species, sharing same GUT microbes. Similar results are found for bees and their GUT microbes.
We are connected and the most important connection is local. (Now, it is proven too by modern science yardstick 🙂 ) Being most powerful among this chain, it is our sva-dharma to take care of rest in our local environment. This is the way to make life sustainable, locally first, which turns global cumulatively. Instead of utopian ideas of global impact, try acting locally.
Education and Local Convergence
What local convergence research suggest is that, more than physical traits, behavioral traits converge in local environment. And if we are sharing behavior across species, imagine the impact on humans! That means, local environment plays critical role in shaping character of newborn! Entire education paradigm relies on it!
This research also proves the point the principles of Post-Upanayana education in the company of like-minded peers, Guru and mother nature!
At the least, education process must happen in the lap of mother nature!
Actionable concluding thoughts
Some actions come to my mind to take care of this Local convergence of behavior across species
Local species sustenance
- Feed the cow first
- Feed the ants
- Take care of trees and plants
- Maintain cleanliness, not limited your home boundary but expanded to neighborhood
Farming
- If you are farmer, avoid monocropping. Make your farm full of diversity!
Education
- If you are in education field, provide peer-living (residential school) facility
- More and more mother nature centered learning space
- Gau-shala, Farming, Forestation, Gardening should be integral and mandatory part of education
