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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, Canada barrett@zoology.ubc.ca yurk@zoology.ubc.ca
V. B. Deecke
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, Scotland, United Kingdom vd2@st-andrews.ac.uk
H. Yurk
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T IK8, Canada barrett@zoology.ubc.ca yurk@zoology.ubc.ca
J. K. B. Ford
Affiliation:
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3X8, Canada ford@zoology.ubc.ca

Abstract

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

Information

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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