Are You Smarter Than A Slime Mold?

The video explores the intelligence of slime molds, particularly Physarum polycephalum and Dictyostelium. Physarum can solve mazes by exploring paths and retracting dead ends, demonstrating memory through chemical trails. Dictyostelium exhibits altruism by forming multicellular structures when food is scarce, sacrificing some cells for the benefit of others. These behaviors challenge traditional views of intelligence and suggest that cooperation and problem-solving are not exclusive to complex organisms. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to learn from these simple organisms.

What unique method does Physarum polycephalum use to solve mazes?

• It uses visual cues to navigate.

• It follows the scent of food.

• It uses sound waves to detect paths.

• It leaves chemical trails to mark dead ends.

How does dictyostelium respond when it runs out of food?

• It emits a chemical to attract other cells.

• It changes color to blend with the environment.

• It splits into multiple smaller cells.

• It becomes dormant until food is available.

What is the principle called when organisms act for the benefit of others, as seen in dictyostelium?

• Symbiosis

• Natural selection

• Survival of the fittest

• Altruism

What does the behavior of slime molds suggest about our understanding of intelligence?

• Intelligence is determined by brain size.

• Intelligence is only present in multicellular organisms.

• Intelligence can be found in simple organisms.

• Intelligence is exclusive to humans.

What does Jeremy Narby suggest about our concepts of intelligence?

• They are irrelevant to scientific studies.

• They are only applicable to human behavior.

• They need to be revised to include non-human intelligence.

• They are perfectly aligned with nature.