Survival of the Friendliest audiobook cover - Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity

Survival of the Friendliest

Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity

Brian Hare and Vanessa Wood

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Categories:
Society & CultureSciencePsychology

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Survival of the Friendliest
The Evolutionary Paradigm Shift+
Cognitive Skills & Cooperation+
The Biology of Domestication+
Self-Domestication in the Wild+
Human Self-Domestication+
The Neuroscience of Social Bonds+
The Dark Side of Friendliness+
Fostering Tolerance+
The Animal-Human Connection+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
Why are domesticated dogs able to pass the two-cup pointing test while chimpanzees generally fail?
  • A. Dogs have larger brains relative to their body size, allowing for better problem-solving.
  • B. Chimpanzees lack the physical dexterity required to point or follow pointing gestures.
  • C. Dogs have experienced evolutionary pressure through domestication to cooperate well with human communication.
  • D. Chimpanzees have poor eyesight compared to dogs, making it hard to see the gesture.
Question 2 of 8
In Dmitry Belyaev's Siberian fox experiment, what was the only trait researchers specifically selected for when breeding the foxes?
  • A. Physical appearance, such as floppy ears and varied fur colors.
  • B. Friendliness and an affinity for humans.
  • C. Intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
  • D. Submissiveness to other foxes.
Question 3 of 8
How do bonobos demonstrate the concept of 'self-domestication' in the wild?
  • A. They actively seek out human interaction and rely on humans for food.
  • B. They strictly follow a male-dominated hierarchy to maintain peace and order.
  • C. They exhibit more cooperative behavior, share food, and resolve social tension peacefully.
  • D. They are significantly more aggressive towards outside groups to protect their territory.
Question 4 of 8
According to the fossil record, what physical change in early humans corresponds with a decrease in testosterone and an increase in sociability?
  • A. The shrinking of average brow ridges and jaws.
  • B. The development of larger cranial capacities.
  • C. The lengthening of the limbs for faster running.
  • D. The loss of body hair to regulate temperature.
Question 5 of 8
What is the evolutionary advantage of humans having white sclerae (the white areas of the eyes)?
  • A. It protects the eyes from harsh sunlight in the savanna.
  • B. It serves as a warning mechanism to intimidate predators.
  • C. It improves visual acuity when hunting at night.
  • D. It makes it easier for others to see where a person is looking, aiding interpersonal communication.
Question 6 of 8
While the neurohormone oxytocin helps humans form strong social bonds, what negative side effect does it produce?
  • A. It makes us overly trusting of dangerous situations and predators.
  • B. It decreases our ability to think logically during times of crisis.
  • C. It makes mammals more aggressive toward outsiders perceived as threats.
  • D. It causes us to become physically dependent on constant social interaction.
Question 7 of 8
According to the text, what is a highly effective way to foster tolerance and reduce the dehumanization of outside groups?
  • A. Violently repressing people who hold prejudiced or backward beliefs.
  • B. Creating spaces for positive, casual social interactions between different groups.
  • C. Isolating different demographic groups to prevent cultural conflict.
  • D. Relying strictly on educational campaigns about evolutionary biology.
Question 8 of 8
What did psychological studies reveal about people who believe certain dog breeds are inherently superior to others?
  • A. They tend to score higher on measures of tolerance and empathy.
  • B. They are more likely to pursue careers in veterinary medicine or animal conservation.
  • C. They generally have a better understanding of evolutionary biology.
  • D. They also favor hierarchies in human society and score high on Social Dominance Orientation.

Survival of the Friendliest — Full Chapter Overview

Survival of the Friendliest Summary & Overview

Survival of the Friendliest (2020) presents a scientific look at the origins of human sociability. This history of humanity demonstrates how evolutionary pressure made us the friendly, community-oriented species we are today.

Who Should Listen to Survival of the Friendliest?

  • Loners looking for an empirical reason to mingle
  • History buffs seeking a deep look at ancient communities
  • Anyone interested in an evolutionary take on human friendship

About the Author: Brian Hare and Vanessa Wood

Brian Hare is a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University's Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and co-author of The Genius of Dogs, a New York Times best seller.

Vanessa Woods is a research scientist at the Duke Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, the co-author of The Genius of Dogs, and the author of her own title Bonobo Handshake.

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