“Animal Weapons” by Douglas Emlen is a fascinating exploration of the evolution of animal weapons and how they compare to human weapons. Emlen draws parallels between the historical processes surrounding the evolution of animal and human weapons, including the environments in which they function, the forces of selection shaping their performance, and the ways in which they change through time.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the idea that the circumstances conducive to extreme weapons—the ingredients triggering an arms race—are essentially the same for animals and humans. This is an important lesson to apply to existential risks, as it suggests that the conditions that lead to the development of dangerous technologies are not unique to humans.
Emlen also explores the differences between cultural and biological evolution, highlighting the fact that cultural information can be transmitted more widely and rapidly than DNA. This has important implications for the development of existential risks, as it suggests that dangerous technologies can spread quickly and easily across borders and between different groups.
Overall, “Animal Weapons” is a thought-provoking and informative book that offers valuable insights into the evolution of weapons and the lessons we can learn from the natural world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of biology and technology, and for those concerned about the risks posed by emerging technologies.
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https://www.super-linear.org/prize?recordId=rec4NXuZnV89qFkln
The linked page has no meaningful content, and I didn’t learn much from this review.