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A sound approach to the study of culture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2001

L. G. Barrett-Lennard
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T IK8, [email protected]@zoology.ubc.ca
V. B. Deecke
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, Scotland, United [email protected]
H. Yurk
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T IK8, [email protected]@zoology.ubc.ca
J. K. B. Ford
Affiliation:
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3X8, [email protected]

Abstract

Rendell and Whitehead's thorough review dispels notions that culture is an exclusive faculty of humans and higher primates. We applaud the authors, but differ with them regarding the evolution of cetacean culture, which we argue resulted from the availability of abundant but spatially and temporally patchy prey such as schooling fish. We propose two examples of gene-culture coevolution: (1) acoustic abilities and acoustic traditions, and (2) transmission of environmental information and longevity.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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