Evolution and Cooperation
I just returned from a trip to the Galapagos Islands. In these isolated islands, I saw breathtaking nature and learned how many birds and animals adapted to their environment. It was here where Charles Darwin developed the insights that led him to the Theory of Evolution based on the survival of the fittest. Ostensibly, his focus was on competition. Now, many believe in what they call Social Darwinism, or extreme competition. However, I saw an example of pelican adaptation that depended upon cooperation.
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Darwin spoke of the survival of the fittest, not the survival of the most competitive. The fittest and the most competitive are not the same. I offer the example of the pelican, whose adaptation and survival depend a great deal on cooperation.
The pelican has a long beak. He soars in the sky and when he spots fish in the sea below he dives and grabs the fish. He then flies off to eat it.
Pelicans fly together in formation. Why? One pelican flaps his wings strenuously and produces enough wind to allow the other pelicans in the group to fly without flapping their wings. They take it easy. Leaders alternate. Those that have been flying easily take their turns leading the group.
What do you call this type of behavior? Cooperation. Does it help the pelicans adapt and survive? Of course it does. It's a beautiful sight to see pelicans, or other birds, flying in formation.
All types of cooperation are beautiful.
The fittest are often those that have learned the beauty of cooperation.
