Why Do Chimpanzees Have Superior Memory but Limited Language Skills?

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In summary, Primates have excellent memories and are very fast. This likely arose as a general adaptation for foraging.
  • #1
symbolipoint
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This is interesting, about chimpanzees not having much language but extremely fast and excellent memory.
https://youtu.be/ktkjUjcZid0

( I used the 'plain' tags. I hope that worked. Assumed, visitors, readers, members know what to do. )
 
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  • #2
symbolipoint said:
This is interesting, about chimpanzees not having much language but extremely fast and excellent memory.
https://youtu.be/ktkjUjcZid0

( I used the 'plain' tags. I hope that worked. Assumed, visitors, readers, members know what to do. )
Sports stars Sam Snead and Larry Bird remembered everything in detail. It's useful for sports.
 
  • #3
symbolipoint said:
This is interesting, about chimpanzees not having much language but extremely fast and excellent memory.
https://youtu.be/ktkjUjcZid0

( I used the 'plain' tags. I hope that worked. Assumed, visitors, readers, members know what to do. )
I read somewhere (did I use that phrase? Sorry, I think it was The Blind Watchmaker) That primates have to remember where the ripe fruits are. Also the unripe so they can go back when they are ready.
When in our Evolution did this happen? Less than 7 million years ago?
Birds rats and squirrels are pretty good at remembering sequences too.
 
  • #4
Lots of animals have good memories.
It is a generally useful adaptation.
Honey bees can learn colors and locations in single trials.
It would not have arisen in the human or primate lineage for some specific purpose.
 
  • #5
BillTre said:
Lots of animals have good memories.
It is a generally useful adaptation.
Honey bees can learn colors and locations in single trials.
It would not have arisen in the human or primate lineage for some specific purpose.
I think line of reasoning was foraging was a fairly simple process for earlier mammals before Yucatan.
Selecting and learning what was going on with vegetation after that when they had more freedom played a part.
I will find the refs and try and put some meat on the bones.
 

Related to Why Do Chimpanzees Have Superior Memory but Limited Language Skills?

1. What is the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis?

The Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis is a theory that suggests that the brain has a limited amount of cognitive resources and must allocate them between different tasks or functions. This means that when one cognitive ability is improved, there may be a trade-off in another cognitive ability.

2. How does the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis affect decision making?

The Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis suggests that when individuals are faced with complex decisions, they may have to sacrifice one cognitive ability in order to focus on another. For example, when making a decision that requires a lot of attention and focus, individuals may experience a decrease in their ability to think creatively.

3. Is the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis supported by research?

Yes, there is a significant amount of research that supports the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis. Studies have shown that individuals who excel in one cognitive ability often show a decrease in another, suggesting a trade-off between the two abilities.

4. Can the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis be applied to real-world situations?

Yes, the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis has been applied to various real-world situations, such as education, career choices, and aging. It can help individuals understand why they may excel in certain areas while struggling in others, and can also inform decision making in these areas.

5. Are there any criticisms of the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis?

While the Cognitive Trade-Off Hypothesis has gained support from research, there are also some criticisms. Some argue that it oversimplifies the complexity of the brain and does not take into account individual differences and environmental factors that may influence cognitive abilities and trade-offs.

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