Article
Multiple Paths to Encephalization and Technical Civilizations
Origins of Life
(2011)
Abstract
We propose consideration of at least two possible evolutionary paths for the emergence of intelligent life with the potential for technical civilization. The first is the path via encephalization of homeothermic animals; the second is the path to swarm intelligence of so-called superorganisms, in particular the social insects. The path to each appears to be facilitated by environmental change: homeothermic animals by decreased climatic temperature and for swarm intelligence by increased oxygen levels.
Disciplines
Publication Date
December, 2011
DOI
10.1007/s11084-011-9256-z
Citation Information
David Schwartzman and George Middendorf. "Multiple Paths to Encephalization and Technical Civilizations" Origins of Life Vol. 41 Iss. 6 (2011) p. 581 - 585 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/george-middendorf/10/