1. What do you associate with the concept of 'survival of the fittest'? Generally speaking, who are the proponents of this theory? Are you familiar with any books or films where survival of the fittest plays a central part e.g. Jack London's 'Call of the Wild' or Leonardo DiCaprio in 'The Revenant'?
Watch video here: Survival Of The Friendliest
2. Dogs are a great example of the survival of the friendliest, right? Can you think of any other species (animal to human, animal to animal) that use friendliness as a means of survival?
3. Are our pets genuinely friendly towards us, or have they just learnt certain behaviours/gestures that allow them to get what they want?
4. Being friendly is great news if you are a cuddly puppy, but what if you are a mosquito/cockroach? What approach would you adopt? Is there a hierarchy of survival techniques? Where would 'cleverest, strongest, most handsome, most virulent' etc. come in this hierarchy?
5. Why aren't wolves extinct now?
6. In terms of communication, are dogs the closest species to humans? Is that simply because of their proximity to us, or is there a genetic trait that allows communication to take place?
7. In Spain, apes have been given special rights, in part, because they are genetically close to humans. Do you agree? Should apes and monkeys have more rights than other animals?
8. The video suggests that it is collaboration between humans that is one of the major factors for mankind's success. What other species collaborate in a similar manner?
9. When did we become a 'winner-takes-all society', do you think? Is humanity thriving in all of its different social contexts?
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Situation
You are Dr. Jennifer Crocker. You have granted an interview to up-and-coming journalist (your teacher) who works for the magazine 'Psychology Today'. Outline some of your theories on 'egosystems' and ecosystems', and answer any questions he has.
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Discuss quotes
“The biologists are a ruthless bunch, and quite devoid of any particular regard for doctors. In theory they don’t even want a surgeon to patch up a man who has been hit on the head with a brick, the argument being that it is better for the human race to be able to dodge bricks. Which is correct, I suppose, unless it happens to be your head and your brick.”
― Dr. Blake F. Donaldson
"Survival of the fittest is over. Get over it. We need survival of the wisest."
- Deepak Chopra
“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.”
― Groucho Marx
“Dogs never bite me. Just humans.”
― Marilyn Monroe
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.”
― Mark Twain
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Student Handout PDF: Survival
Photo: Patrice Schoefelt
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