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      Coevolution of intelligence, behavioral repertoire, and lifespan.

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          Abstract

          Across many taxa, intriguing positive correlations exist between intelligence (measured by proxy as encephalization), behavioral repertoire size, and lifespan. Here we argue, through a simple theoretical model, that such correlations arise from selection pressures for efficient learning of behavior sequences. We define intelligence operationally as the ability to disregard unrewarding behavior sequences, without trying them out, in the search for rewarding sequences. We show that increasing a species' behavioral repertoire increases the number of rewarding behavior sequences that can be performed, but also the time required to learn such sequences. This trade-off results in an optimal repertoire size that decreases rapidly with increasing sequence length. Behavioral repertoire size can be increased by increasing intelligence or lengthening the lifespan, giving rise to the observed correlations between these traits.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Theor Popul Biol
          Theoretical population biology
          Elsevier BV
          1096-0325
          0040-5809
          Feb 2014
          : 91
          Affiliations
          [1 ] Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; Center for the Study of Cultural Evolution, Stockholm University, Lilla frescativ. 7B, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: drghirlanda@gmail.com.
          [2 ] Center for the Study of Cultural Evolution, Stockholm University, Lilla frescativ. 7B, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusv. 14D, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: magnus.enquist@intercult.su.se.
          [3 ] Center for the Study of Cultural Evolution, Stockholm University, Lilla frescativ. 7B, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrheniusv. 14D, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: johan.lind@zoologi.su.se.
          Article
          S0040-5809(13)00085-3
          10.1016/j.tpb.2013.09.005
          24044983
          20763b2c-bffd-44fb-b1b8-0425c2a145ba
          History

          Evolution of intelligence,Evolution of behavioral repertoire,Evolution of lifespan,Mathematical model

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