Jens Krause (Science of Intelligence), “The Adaptive Value of Collective Behavior”

In this talk Jens Krause will discuss the adaptive value of collective behaviour from different perspectives. One perspective is the potential ability of groups or collectives to make better and even faster decisions. In this context Jens will show some of the modelling approaches to explain collective intelligence and the empirical support for them in the laboratory and in the field. Furthermore, he will show some empirical findings regarding collective intelligence which challenge our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Another perspective is that of collective behaviour as a defense against predators. It has been found in a number of different species that various forms of collective spirals and waves can fend off predators. This implies that at a global group-wide level, collective patterns are not just beautiful to look at but can provide anti-predator functions which are just beginning to understand.

This talk is part of David Mezey‘s course “Introduction to Modeling Collective Behavior, ” a seminar on collective behavior research, combined with multiple interactive elements.

Image created with DALL-E by Maria Ott.