A Critical Evaluation of the Relationship Intelligence Hypothesis
Hooper, B
Date: 20 September 2021
Publisher
University of Exeter
Degree Title
PhD in Biological Sciences
Abstract
Cognitive abilities vary widely across the animal kingdom, and multiple hypotheses have been formulated to explain why. The Relationship Intelligence Hypothesis (RIH) posits that maintaining and managing high quality pair-bonds is a key driver of cognitive evolution. The RIH was first proposed more than a decade ago, and while its ...
Cognitive abilities vary widely across the animal kingdom, and multiple hypotheses have been formulated to explain why. The Relationship Intelligence Hypothesis (RIH) posits that maintaining and managing high quality pair-bonds is a key driver of cognitive evolution. The RIH was first proposed more than a decade ago, and while its introductory paper has been widely cited, little work has been done to interrogate the RIH’s central predictions. In this thesis, I critically evaluate the RIH. First, in Chapters 2 – 4, I test central predictions of the RIH within one wild study system, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula). Specifically, I test whether (i) pairs have fully aligned fitness interests (Chapter 2); (ii) pairs use consolation as a mechanism through which to manage and maintain their bond (Chapter 3); (iii) pair-bond strength (1) varies between pairs, (2) is consistent within pairs, (3) positively correlates with socio-cognitive performance, and (4) positively correlates with reproductive success (Chapter 4). Finally, I test whether a commonly used method in the study of cognitive evolution - the comparative study of brain size – is methodologically robust (Chapter 5). I find that jackdaw partners do not always have fully aligned fitness interests, and that they do not use consolation to manage and maintain their pair-bond. However, pair-bond strength does vary between pairs, is consistent within pairs and is positively correlated with a measure of socio-cognitive performance, partner responsiveness. While I did not find a link between pair-bond strength and reproductive success, partners with stronger bonds were better able to adjust hatching synchrony to environmental conditions. Finally, I demonstrate that comparative studies of brain size are not methodologically robust. In Chapter 6, I integrate my findings with contemporary empirical and theoretical evidence in order to critically evaluate the RIH. I end by proposing future directions for the study of cognitive evolution.
Doctoral Theses
Doctoral College
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