Interpreting behavioral evolution

[Loren Booda]

What can fossil and other historical records tell us about ancient species' behavioral evolution, like we interpret from preserved physiology the progression of phenomes with genomes?

 

[nautica]

I believe the fossil record is much to limited to give much information in the area you speak of.

Nautica

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Loren Booda
What can fossil and other historical records tell us about ancient species' behavioral evolution, like we interpret from preserved physiology the progression of phenomes with genomes?

"Behavioral evolution"? I have an idea what you mean, but could you define it anyway, so that I can make sure I'm on the same page?

 

[Loren Booda]

"Behavioral evolution": the genetically based changes in behavior that improve survival.

 

[Mentat]

You mean like traveling in herds, or hunting in packs?

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Mentat
You mean like traveling in herds, or hunting in packs?

If this is what you mean, then I'd say the evidence for the above examples would be finding fossils of the same species, very close together...perhaps even finding a part of a creature that could serve no conceivable purpose other than in social sturcture (like the resonating chambers of Velociraptors in "Jurassic Park 3").

 

[Loren Booda]

That's one great example, Mentat. How about finding layers of improving tools in an ongoing community of proto-humans? Are behaviors harder or easier to prove the more primitive the animal?

(By the way, I've wondered where you got your user name.)

 

[Niels Bohr]

Originally posted by Loren Booda
What can fossil and other historical records tell us about ancient species' behavioral evolution, like we interpret from preserved physiology the progression of phenomes with genomes?

There is a large wealth of data on Evolutionary Psychology / Behavioral Genetics at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evolutionary-psychology/

Regards,

Niels Bohr

 

[Loren Booda]

I'm sorry, Niels, I didn't get much out of it. Maybe you could post a more specific link?

 

[Mentat]

Originally posted by Loren Booda
That's one great example, Mentat. How about finding layers of improving tools in an ongoing community of proto-humans? Are behaviors harder or easier to prove the more primitive the animal?

Well, I'd assume that the more complex the animal, the more complex the behavior; ergo, more (different) hints should be found of their behavior. Yours is a good example, since the finding of newer and more advanced tools sheds a lot more light on the behavior and social structure of primitive humans, than (for example) the grouping of many Velociraptor fossils can shed on their particular behaviors.

(By the way, I've wondered where you got your user name.)

The Dune series, by Frank Herbert, played a large role (along with some sci-fi for younger audiences that I read a long time ago, by Bruce Coville).