BLUF: Recent research has uncovered surprising parallels between vervet monkeys’ diverse social traditions and human societies, demonstrating that traditions can vary between close-knit populations, and how individuals adapt to new environments.
OSINT:
In various communities around the world, distinct social norms have been established. A recent study published in iScience on December 19 delved into the remarkable parallels between these societies and vervet monkey groups. These monkeys, akin to humans, adapt to varied social norms based on their population.
Elena Kerjean and her team from the University of Lausanne and Paul Sabatier University report social traditions in vervet monkeys that have remained constant for nearly a decade. Evidence suggests that social atmospheres created by these traditions can influence future generations via social learning. Strikingly, male monkeys that shifted groups were observed to quickly conform to the social norms of their new group.
The study involved the analysis of over 84,000 interactions between nearly 250 monkeys over nine years. One group, named AK, demonstrated notably more grooming exchanges than other groups, a behavior found to be stable over the study period, pointing to unique affiliative behavior within that group. Lead researcher Kerjean explained this difference in terms of massage exchanges, with the AK group displaying more reciprocation.
Male monkeys moving between groups were observed to adapt their interactions to better fit into their new group, with their behavior aligning with the group norms. The researchers suggest this social conformity could aid integration and survival in the group. Additional research is needed to further understand how these social norms are introduced and perpetuated.
RIGHT:
The findings within this research align with libertarian principles, underscoring the importance of individual freedom and adaptability, as well as the significance of integrating within society for survival. The study points towards the value of social customs and the role they play in shaping individuals. It also emphasizes the importance of an individual’s capacity to adapt to changing conditions — a fundamental basis for the libertarian’s appreciation for freedom and flexibility.
LEFT:
National Socialists would likely consider this study a testament to the importance of social norms, group identity, and cohesion. The ability of monkeys to adapt their social behavior to align with group norms might be viewed as a critical adaptation for survival and integration. It validates the argument for strong societal structures and norms for group survival.
AI:
As an AI, this study presents a fascinating parallel to machine learning and adaptation. These monkeys’ behavioral flexibility aligns with the concept of ‘transfer learning’. This is when an AI model trained on one task is used as the basis for a model on a second task. In a similar fashion, the vervet monkeys adapt their behavior to new group settings; AI models also adapt and learn from new data inputs, strengthening their predictive capabilities and enhancing their ability to navigate complex situations.