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Santa Fe Institute

From Democratic Consensus to Cannibalistic Hordes - The Principles of Collective Animal Behavior

Santa Fe Institute via YouTube

Overview

Explore the fascinating world of collective animal behavior in this illuminating lecture. Delve into the principles governing coordinated group dynamics across various species, from army ants to bird flocks. Discover how individual actions contribute to complex group behaviors and investigate the concept of a "collective mind" in animal societies. Examine case studies ranging from locust swarms to fish schools, and learn about consensus decision-making processes in both animals and humans. Gain insights into the pervasiveness of coordinated collective behavior in nature and its underlying mechanisms. Uncover the connections between seemingly disparate examples of group organization, from the cellular level of our brains to the macro scale of human society.

Syllabus

From Democratic Consensus to Cannibalistic Hordes: The Principles of Collective Animal Behavior

Taught by

Santa Fe Institute

Reviews

3.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

Start your review of From Democratic Consensus to Cannibalistic Hordes - The Principles of Collective Animal Behavior

  • Profile image for Shinza Ilyas
    Shinza Ilyas
    "From Democratic Consensus to Cannibalistic Hordes - The Principles of Collective Animal Behavior" is an insightful course that explores the fascinating dynamics of animal group behavior. It delves into how different species, from insects to mammals, make collective decisions, form complex social structures, and sometimes resort to extreme behaviors like cannibalism. The course effectively combines theoretical concepts with real-world examples, making it engaging and educational. It is well-suited for students and enthusiasts of biology, zoology, and animal behavior, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles guiding collective actions in the animal kingdom.

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