Mirror self-recognition in gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): a review and evaluation of mark test replications and variants.

Mirror self-recognition (MSR), widely regarded as an indicator of self-awareness, has not been demonstrated consistently in gorillas. We aimed to examine this issue by setting out a method to evaluate gorilla self-recognition studies that is objective, quantifiable, and easy to replicate. Using Suarez and Gallup's (J Hum Evol 10:175-183, 1981) study as a reference point, we drew up a list of 15 methodological criteria and assigned scores to all published studies of gorilla MSR for both methodology and outcomes.

Self-Processing and Self-Face Reaction Time Latencies: A Review.

In this article, we detail the advantages of self-face identification latencies over more traditional tests of mirror self-recognition. Using reaction time latencies (measured in milliseconds) to identify different dimensions of the self, instead of relying on a simple dichotomous pass/fail mirror mark-test outcome, enables investigators to examine individual differences in self-processing time. This is a significant methodological step forward with important implications.

Putting the cart before the horse: claims for mirror self-recognition in horses are unfounded.

The recent article by Baragli, Scopa, Maglieri, and Palagi (Anim Cogn https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-021-01502-7 , 2021) that claims to demonstrate mirror self-recognition (MSR) in horses is not based on compelling evidence.

Experimental Evidence for Sex Differences in Sexual Variety Preferences: Support for the Coolidge Effect in Humans.

We examined sex differences in preferences for sexual variety and novelty to determine whether the Coolidge effect plays a role in human sexuality. In two experimental studies that employed different manipulations, we found converging evidence that men showed a greater preference for variety in potential short-term mates than did women. In the first study, men (n = 281) were more likely than women (n = 353) to select a variety of mates when given the opportunity to distribute chances to have sex with different individuals in hypothetical situations.

Hypothesized behavioral host manipulation by SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 infection.

Although not widely studied, behavioral host manipulation by various pathogens has been documented. Host manipulation is the process by which a pathogen evolves adaptations to manipulate the behavior of the host to maximize reproduction (R) of the pathogen. The most notable example is rabies.

The "olfactory mirror" and other recent attempts to demonstrate self-recognition in non-primate species.

The recent attempt by Horowitz (2017) to develop an "olfactory mirror" test of self-recognition in domestic dogs raises some important questions about the kinds of data that are required to provide definitive evidence for self-recognition in dogs and other species. We conclude that the "olfactory mirror" constitutes a compelling analog to the mark test for mirror self-recognition in primates, but despite claims to the contrary neither dogs, elephants, dolphins, magpies, horses, manta rays, squid, nor ants have shown compelling, reproducible evidence for self-recognition in any modality.

Mirror self-recognition: a review and critique of attempts to promote and engineer self-recognition in primates.

We review research on reactions to mirrors and self-recognition in nonhuman primates, focusing on methodological issues. Starting with the initial demonstration in chimpanzees in 1970 and subsequent attempts to extend this to other species, self-recognition in great apes is discussed with emphasis on spontaneous manifestations of mirror-guided self-exploration as well as spontaneous use of the mirror to investigate foreign marks on otherwise nonvisible body parts-the mark test. Attempts to show self-recognition in other primates are examined with particular reference to the lack of convincing examples of spontaneous mirror-guided self-exploration, and efforts to engineer positive mark test responses by modifying the test or using conditioning techniques.

Evolutionary medicine: semen sampling and seminal plasma hypersensitivity.

Evidence suggests that each male may have a unique semen signature, and there are reasons to consider the possibility that semen sampling (i.e., being inseminated by different prospective mates during courtship) may be part of an evolved female mate assessment strategy.

Temporary anion states of three herbicide families.

Electron scattering studies are used to locate the energies of temporary negative ion states of three chloro-substituted molecular families of herbicidal importance: salicylic and phenoxyacetic acids and acetamides. The correlation between these energies and the computed virtual orbital energies of the compounds is examined and used to put the latter on an absolute energy scale. Such scaling of orbital energies permits the anion states of other members of these families, for which experimental data may not be available, to be estimated from the calculated orbital energies.

Stable negative ions and shape resonances in a series of organic molecules.

We report on the theoretical determination of low-lying shape resonances in a selected set of seven molecules. The finite element discrete model method is used and the absolute differences between calculated and experimental values, where known, are ≲0.15 eV for the resonances lowest in energy.

From one extreme to the other: negative evaluation anxiety and disordered eating as candidates for the extreme female brain.

Simon Baron-Cohen pioneered the idea that different brain types evolved to process information in gender specific ways. Here we expand this approach to looking at eating disorders as a byproduct of the extreme female brain. The incidence of eating disorders is higher among females, and recent findings show that hormones may play a role in eating disorders.

Voice and handgrip strength predict reproductive success in a group of indigenous African females.

Evolutionary accounts of human traits are often based on proxies for genetic fitness (e.g., number of sex partners, facial attractiveness).

Electron attachment to molecules in a cluster environment.

Low-energy dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to the CF(2)Cl(2) and CF(3)Cl molecules in a water cluster environment is investigated theoretically. Calculations are performed for the water trimer and water hexamer. It is shown that the DEA cross section is strongly enhanced when the attaching molecule is embedded in a water cluster, and that this cross section grows as the number of water molecules in the cluster increases.

Mental state attribution and body configuration in women.

Body configuration is a sexually dimorphic trait. In humans, men tend to have high shoulder-to-hip ratios. Women in contrast, often have low waist-to-hip ratios (WHR); i.

Changes in Physiology before, during, and after Yawning.

The ultimate function of yawning continues to be debated. Here, we examine physiological measurements taken before, during, and after yawns in humans, in an attempt to identify key proximate mechanisms associated with this behavior. In two separate studies we measured changes in heart rate, lung volume, eye closure, skin conductance, ear pulse, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and respiratory rate.

Dissociative electron attachment to CH2Cl2, CHCH3Cl2, and C(CH3)2Cl2.

We perform theoretical studies of dissociative electron attachment (DEA) for the compounds CH(2-n)(CH(3))(n)Cl(2), n = 0, 1, 2, by combining the finite-element discrete model with the resonance R-matrix theory. An unexpectedly low DEA cross section for CH(2)Cl(2) is likely due to the relatively large resonance width for this compound that confirms experimental observations. However, there are some quantitative discrepancies with the experimental results.

You must have been a beautiful baby: ratings of infant facial attractiveness fail to predict ratings of adult attractiveness.

Facial attractiveness has been studied extensively, but little research has examined the stability of facial attractiveness of individuals across different stages of development. We conducted a study examining the relationship between facial attractiveness in infants (age 24 months and under) and the same individuals as young adults (age 16-18 years) using infant and adult photographs from high school yearbooks. Contrary to expectations, independent raters' assessments of infant facial attractiveness did not correlate with adult facial attractiveness.

Evolutionary medicine: bottle feeding, birth spacing, and autism.

To compensate for the high metabolic costs of lactation, the likelihood of re-impregnation shortly after childbirth is normally reduced due to hormonal changes triggered by breast feeding during the postpartum period. Nowadays, however, bottle feeding as a substitute for breast feeding precludes such changes and leads to early postpartum reinstatement of fertility. We suggest that recent data showing the risk of autism goes up dramatically as the time between pregnancies goes down [1] may be a byproduct of bottle feeding.

Do rhesus monkeys recognize themselves in mirrors?

Self-recognition continues to attract attention because of the evidence of a striking difference between the great apes and humans, on the one hand, and all other primates; the former are capable of self recognition,whereas no compelling evidence exists for prosimians, monkeys, or lesser apes. This is inspite of numerous attempts to facilitate mirror self-recognition in other primates. Although all previous attempts to find self-recognition in rhesus macaques have failed, a recent article [Rajala et al.

Songs as a medium for embedded reproductive messages.

Research shows that sensational news stories as well as popular romance novels often feature themes related to important topics in evolutionary psychology. In the first of four studies described in this paper we examined the song lyrics from three Billboard charts: Country, Pop, and R&B. A content analysis of the lyrics revealed 18 reproductive themes that read like an outline for a course in evolutionary psychology.