BL1001: The Scientific Approach

BL1001: The Scientific Approach. I have created a priority with this thread so that when you do respond, I receive an email and your reply at the top of all listed threads. If my laptop is available, I will log on to support your continued momentum.
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BL1001: The Scientific Approach
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As you begin your studies, biology is a subject that is close to everyone's heart (literally), so
hopefully, you will enjoy learning about the scientific study of the living world! Just to get you started thinking about biology, one subject of interest in behavioral biology and in psychology generally is altruistic behavior. Altruism refers to unselfish or prosocial behavior. In humans, it is associated with ethical and moral decision-making.
Sometimes people who misunderstand the essential notions of evolutionary Theory will say
things like: & Survival of the fittest; is a natural law; therefore, humans need to be comfortable with the concept that " might make right; and forget about ethical behavior (especially in terms of international relations between governments.) There are many examples of humans and other animals behaving selfishly or in a materialistic manner… so such statements do have some empirical (evidence-based) support; however, this is not the full story.

BL1001: The Scientific Approach
We find many examples of altruism in the natural world.
Many see these actions by other animals as the precursor to ethical decision-making in our own species, Homo sapiens sapiens. Here is a nice study on altruism in chimpanzees from
2007: http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.0050184
And another; In each trial, the chooser, which was always tested with her partner in sight,
selected between differently-colored tokens from a bin. One colored token could be exchanged with an experimenter for treats for both pairs (prosocial); the other colored token would result in a treat only for the chooser (selfish). All seven chimpanzees showed an overwhelming preference for the prosocial choice. The study also showed the choosers behaved altruistically, especially towards partners who either patiently waited or gently reminded them that they were thereby drawing attention to themselves.

The chimpanzees making the choices were less likely to reward partners who made a fuss, begged
persistently, or spat water at them, thus showing their altruism was spontaneous and not subject to intimidation;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808152220.htm
photo from: http://webneel.com/30-incredible-and-award-winning-national-geography-animal-
photography-examples

Please do respond after you have reviewed some of the material to mark your engagement as
complete. BL1001: The Scientific Approach. Thoughts on these findings, related subjects, or something completely different from the very diverse world of living creatures? Also, more directly related to your first lessons. Are you feeling comfortable with the scientific method and approach to understanding? Also, for purposes of documentation, your response must be offered to this thread. Further, ALL future correspondence must be received here as well.  I have set up notifications when you submit a response. I encourage you to do the same.

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