We keep learning how close non-human
animals and human animals truly are. Now
comes news about how humans – at least some of them – might learn a big lesson
from the most successful animals: be nice, sociable and cooperative, and share. 
Bonobo
Two scientists have asked just what Charles
Darwin meant by “fittest” in “survival of the fittest.” Did he refer to toughness and physical
strength? Or did he refer to
friendliness, partnership and communication? They concluded that the friendliest animals are
the most likely ones to evolve and survive.
The dog is cited as an animal who adapted to
fit in with humans, and who has survived and thrived. Another case: bonobos (“buh-NOW-bows”), who
are apes often confused with chimpanzees, but way different from them.
Chimps are aggressive and warlike, while
bonobos, governed by females, share food with others and make love, not war. The scientists found that “the friendliest male
bonobo is more successful than the unfriendliest chimp,” and “The most
successful bonobo males have more offspring than the most successful alpha male
chimpanzees.”
Here’s their main point, and it clearly has
practical application right here and now: “Friendliness is the winning strategy. Social
problems require social solutions. The secret to our species’ success is the
same as it is with dogs and bonobos. 
Beagle puppy
“We are the friendliest human species that
ever evolved, which has allowed us to outcompete other human species that are
now extinct. When that mechanism is turned off, we can become unbelievably
cruel. When it is turned on, it allows
us to win.
“We win by cooperation and teamwork. Our
uniquely human skills for cooperative communication can be used to solve the
hardest social problems.”
Alike or not?
Blame it on the dog days of summer if you’d like, but here’s an animal observation that’s decidedly UN-scientific. It’s based on years of watching and learning about the two animals involved.
St. Thomas, VI is my “soul home,” and that includes one of
its signature inhabitants, the iguana. Decades of visits grew my fascination with iguanas, whom I’ve watched and studied all
that time. To me, they’re exotically beautiful.
Iguana
Here in New Jersey, I’ve long enjoyed watching squirrels, who
I think are smart and fun – and who like the unsalted peanuts in shells I share
with them. Either I have them trained to
come closer for treats, or they have me trained to provide snacks.
Despite their being such markedly different species, these
two animals have a lot in common besides my admiration. Consider:
both
creatures are low-slung, with long tail “rudders” that seem to balance their
front ends. 
Squirrel
There’s a definite resemblance in their
stances and how both of them walk on all fours – squirrels are like furry
iguanas!
OK, the heat has gone to my head and whimsy
rules for now. But it’s nice to know I have “related” animals
I like so much in both real and soul homes.
Sure picker-uppers
Whatever works to pick up pandemic-damaged
spirits is welcome. The latest
suggestion I saw was to watch cute animal videos, something I’ve been doing for
years, thanks to “The Dodo” (thedodo.com).
They’re
not all “cute,” but most are happy stories that may also include useful info. Here’s one recent example.
What are you doing to lift your spirits during these difficult days? I hope you'll share what works for you.
Dodo pic
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You've convinced me about the resemblance between squirrels and iguanas but i don't think I've ever seen a live iguana so i can't be perfectly sure. I did see an imperial moth this morning and it was quite impressive.
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