14 Nov
2013
14 Nov
'13
8:56 a.m.
Dear all,
The next talk in the CEU Cognitive Science seminar series will by given by:
*Thomas Bugnyar* *(**Department of Cognitive Biology, **University of
Vienna)*
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 5 PM
Location: Cognitive Development Center, Hattyú u. 14, 3rd floor
*Title:* *‘Raven Politics’ – Understanding and use of social relations*
Complex social life has been proposed as one of the driving forces for the
evolution of cognition. Aside a large group size and a high degree of
fission-fusion dynamics, the formation and use of valuable relationships
(social bonds) have been discussed as the main factors constituting social
complexity in mammals. Yet it is debated, if this is also true for birds.
Reporting on recent data from captive and wild ravens Corvus corax, I argue
that i) the quality of social relationships of these birds is comparable to
that of primates and ii) that the relationship quality between individuals
explains various patterns of their advanced conflict management (coalition
formation, intervention in fights, post-conflict reconciliation and
bystander-affiliation). In addition, I argue that iii) social bonds may be
advantageous during foraging but iv) that they may come with the costs of
increased aggression by third parties. These findings support the idea that
the need for, and use of, bonding partners outside reproduction may be one
of the factors driving the cognitive evolution in these large-brained birds.
PLEASE NOTE: Our seminar room has a limited capacity. Please arrive early
to ensure you get a seat. The talk will begin promptly at 5.
Cognitive Science Events at CEU: http://cognitivescience.ceu.hu/events
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