Play in evolution and development

Dairy calves’ preference for rearing substrate

“…These activities are thought to provide the animal with exercise, training and physical development which aid in the strengthening of bones, muscles and the refinement motor skills. Both social and locomotor play can occur together as animals often perform these behaviours as a group (Dugatkin, 2008;Jensen & Kyhn, 2000;Oliveria, Rossi, Silva, Lau, & Barreto, 2010;Pellegrini et al, 2007). As play behaviours are complex in their development, with different movement patterns occurring at different stages in the animal's development, there is a possibility that diverse benefits are received at each of these stages (Barber, 1991).…”

“…The long-term benefits of play include stronger bone, muscle, cardiovascular condition, learning and acquiring social skills which enhance the animals' actions so they are better equipped for future situations (Oliveria et al, 2010;Rushen et al, 2008). Certain aspects of play, for example social play, can be innovative, for example, where juveniles learn the behaviours and strategies of adults and then develop them into novel situations for play (Pellegrini et al, 2007). Play fighting may also serve in the development of cognitive and social skills, where animals reverse dominant and subordinate roles.…”

“…Play is thought to have a key role in terms of an animal's development as it is more commonly observed in young animals. It can shape development and help juveniles to adapt to the environment by exploring and experimenting, creating effective strategies for potential changes within their environment (Donaldson, Newberry, Špinka, & Cloutier, 2002;Pellegrini, Dupuis, & Smith, 2007;Špinka, Newberry, & Bekoff, 2001). However, assessment of play behaviour is not without its limitations.…”

Em cada lugar um brincar: reflexão evolucionista sobre universalidade e diversidade

“…É possível, portanto, que o principal benefício seja o da oportunidade ampliada para aprender as regras e normas sociais de um grupo de indivíduos. Assim, um longo período de imaturidade é necessário também para o aprendizado e domínio da complexidade da cultura humana (Pellegrini et al, 2007).…”

“…Nas variadas formas de brincar das crianças, pode-se perceber o caráter plástico do comportamento humano desde o período da infância. Dessa maneira, os comportamentos da brincadeira podem representar, na ontogênese, as principais formas através das quais os fenótipos afetam os processos evolucionários subsequentes (Pellegrini et al, 2007). De forma universal, essa observação remete, de fato, à variação do brincar correspondentemente à variação de contextos, na medida em que a adaptação ao contexto torna-se fundamental à sobrevivência do indivíduo.…”