Science Memes

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don't be a coward (mander.xyz)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

They must have limbs skilled enough to handle and construct this technology, a complex communication system, and a binocular vision system (for this reason the most used in all species) to perceive their environment. The humanoid shape is one that best fits these maxims and therefore it is quite possible that an advanced species would also have a more or less similar shape.

Elephants meet all of these criteria as well. A complex limb (their trunk), a complex communication, and binocular vision (although I don't see why this is necessary).

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (3 children)

You can’t compare an elephant trunk to the human hand

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 weeks ago

Not with that attitude

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago

Elephant trunks are bigger than human hands.

See it's not that hard

[–] [email protected] -1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Nothing in nature comes close to the dexterity of human hands.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago

Raccoon paws and octopus tentacles both rival the dexterity of human - and other primates' - hands in my opinion. They even have certain advantages.

[–] [email protected] -2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

Complex limb? Let me see an elephant tie a granny knot. Maybe with training? OK. Do a square knot.

Complex communication? Elephants have communication skills on par with a 3-4 year old human. An intensely trained dog might top 200 words. My vocabulary is an easy 50,000 words. Yours is too.

Binocular vision is a must, that's a given. Damn near every animal on the planet has it, even some worms.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

Complex limb? Let me see an elephant tie a granny knot. Maybe with training? OK. Do a square knot.

Complex communication? Elephants have communication skills on par with a 3-4 year old human. An intensely trained dog might top 200 words. My vocabulary is an easy 50,000 words. Yours is too.

Now apply both of these challenges to a chimpanzee. I doubt one could tie a knot very well. Washoe the chimp we taught sign language had a vocabulary of only 450. Yet, I have I on good authority that a very close relative of chimpanzees have developed complex thought, complex language and advanced tool use and creation.