A team of scientists observes that a new species (Species X) tends not to copy exactly how a model uses a new tool; instead, species members are very adept at figuring out on their own how to best use the tool.Conversely, another new species (Species Y) does tend to copy exactly how a model uses a new tool, paying attention to the model's behavioral strategies.Based on this observation, what trajectory should we expect each species' respective cultural development to be like?
A) Species X will likely not have cumulative culture and Species Y will likely have cumulative culture.
B) Species X will likely have cumulative culture and Species Y will likely not have cumulative culture.
C) Both species will likely have cumulative culture.
D) Neither species will likely have cumulative culture.
E) The scientists' observations have no relationship to accumulation of culture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Species Y's tendency to copy exactly how a model uses a tool suggests a capacity for cumulative culture, as it allows for the transmission and building upon previous knowledge. Species X's independent approach may hinder the accumulation of shared cultural knowledge.

A Team of Scientists Observes That a New Species (Species