The question of culture

Article Abstract:

Tool use and manufacture among humans have been taken to connote culture. Although tool use was first observed among the Homo habilis, standardization and sophistication arose among Home erectus. In free-living animals, only chimpanzees have so far exhibited standardization of their tools. Recently, however, the discovery of tools used by New Caledonian wild crows revealed that birds, like humans and chimpanzees, are also capable of tool manufacture. However, a standardized tool manufacture can only be a hallmark of culture if the tool has been modified prior, not after, to usage.

Research, Natural history, Crows (Birds), Crows, New Caledonia, Tool use in animals, Animal tool use

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The question of significance

Article Abstract:

Studies have emphasized the need for further improvements to data and models projecting rising greenhouse gas concentrations and their climatic consequences. Hulme and colleagues have used river flow and wheat yield as indicators to model climate change in the year 2050. They have used a multi-century simulation of the control climate and undertaken multiple simulations for changed climate. Their model shows systematic increases in river flow in northern Europe, with decreases in southern Europe.

Environmental aspects, Climatic changes, Climate change

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A question of scale

Article Abstract:

The term "collective behavior," which is an important element in humans, birds, insects, bacteria, fish, atoms, molecules, even non-living objects, refers to the common behavior of a group of similar individuals that are interacting in a relatively predictable manner. Each individual performing this collective behavior is influenced by the behavior of its neighbors.

Psychological aspects, Social aspects, Collective behavior, Crowds

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