Subbu left a comment on my previous post pointing at new research that suggests that an evolutionary adaptation to subtly imitate promotes the formation of social groups and so reduces conflict, aids co-operation and ultimately, survival.
The author of the study Annika Paukner, a comparative behaviorist at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, makes an interesting point:
Interesting parallel to be had with communications, in considering the focus often placed on the individual recipient rather than the group dynamic of how ideas spread.

Thanks for the shout-out,Neil, and apologies for the delayed visit. My Google Reader has taken a back-seat!
Posted by: Subbu | September 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM