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Origins of mind

The Origin of mind research group aims to understand how evolutionary history and the process of development influence behaviour and cognition in a broad range of animal species, including hummmingbirds, quail, elephants, pigs, non-human primates and human beings. The researchers make use of the ‘Living Links to Human Evolution’ centre (Edinburgh zoo), African field sites (e.g., Budongo Conservation Field Station), and human experimental laboratories.

Facilities

Principal investigators

Gillian Brown, Richard Byrne, Juan-Carlos Gomez, Cat Hobaiter, David Perrett, Amanda Seed, Karen Spencer, Andrew Whiten, Klaus Zuberbühler

Capuchin monkey using exeperiment box at Living Links 
Humming bird 
Child playing with toys in the Child and Baby Lab 
Chimpanzee with mouth open