The CEU Department of Cognitive Science cordially invites you to its talk
by:
Prof. *Julia Fischer *(Georg-August-University, Göttingen)
[web <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julia_Fischer>]
Title: *Baboons as a model to test the link between social systems,
communication and cognition*
Date: Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Time: 17:00-18:30
Location: Department of Cognitive Science, CEU, Oktober 6 st. 7, room 10
Abstract:
Nonhuman primates live in highly diverse social systems, which allows us to
put conjectures regarding the links between social system characteristics,
cognition, and communication to a test. New data on previously neglected
baboon species are substantially increasing the value of this genus for
such an undertaking. I will first summarize our findings from the first
decade of research on wild Guinea baboons (Papio papio), a species for
which little was known before. I will then present results from studies
that tap into the communication and cognition of this species, taking a
comparative perspective. Guinea baboons reveal a nested multi-level social
organization with high degrees of male tolerance, a lack of a clear
dominance hierarchy and low degrees of aggression. Some, but not all
strongly socially bonded males are highly related, and population-genetic
and behavioral evidence indicate female-biased dispersal. Despite
substantial differences in social organization and social structure, the
structure of Guinea baboon vocal repertoires does not differ substantially
from that of other baboon species; yet males have evolved elaborate
greeting rituals the function and evolution of which will be discussed. Our
studies of their social knowledge suggest that the value of social
information varies greatly between species. Taken together, the
motivational disposition appears to be more malleable during evolution than
structural elements of the behavioral repertoire; furthermore, competition
may indeed be a more important driver in cognitive evolution than social
complexity.
We are looking forward to see you.
Cognitive Science Events at CEU:
http://cognitivescience.ceu.hu/events
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