14 - Primate Intelligence

Question 1

How are large brains costly

Answer 1

Metabolic costs (20% BMR), Reproductive
age, lifespan, interbirth interval, litter size

Question 2

What imposes serious constraints on evolution of brain size, despite possible benefits

Answer 2

High proportion of energy allocated to brain tissue

Question 3

r selected species

Answer 3

Reproduce quickly, have many offspring, and invest little in each.

Question 4

K selected species

Answer 4

Reproduce slowly, have few offspring, and invest heavily n parental care.

Question 5

Social factors that favoured large brain size in primates

Answer 5

• Evolution of group living provided context for complex social interactions
• Competition over food, mates, grooming partners

Question 6

Ecological Factors that favoured large brain size in primates

Answer 6

• Cognitive skills associated
  with frugivory (evaluate toxicity, ripeness and good memory)
• Cognitive skills associated with extracted foods (e.g. shelled nuts)
• Cognitive skills linked to
  innovation and behavioural
  flexibility

Question 7

Theory of mind

Answer 7

The ability to attribute mental states — (e.g. beliefs, intents, knowledge) — to others and to understand that others’ mental states may differ from one’s own