Who taught beavers to build dams?

What drives animals to perform complex behaviors like dam-building and web-spinning? A neuroscientist challenges the idea of instinct, suggesting a deeper interplay of genetics and learning. Delving into examples from bees to cuckoos, the discussion unpacks how environmental factors shape behaviors traditionally thought to be innate. The complexities of animal imprinting and the nuances in species identification reveal a rich tapestry of social dynamics in the animal kingdom. It’s a thought-provoking exploration that redefines our understanding of nature versus nurture.