Why behaviour varies in species

Some squirrels are timid, and others will snatch popcorn from your hand. One bird spoils for a fight around the birdbath, and another turns away from confrontation.

Why behaviour varies in species

Some squirrels are timid,and others will snatch popcorn from your hand. One bird spoils for a fight around the birdbath, and another turns away from confrontation. Such differences in behaviour among individuals of the same species are evidence that animals have personalities, some scientists believe. Last week, two researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and another from Stockholm University argued in the British journal Nature that personality differences in animals are a reflection of evolutionary strategy.
They said personality is shaped by the animal8217;s timetable for reproduction. Using complex mathematical simulations, the researchers considered two theoretical individuals, each of whom lives for two years and can reproduce at the end of each year. The animals8217; environments vary in the quality of resources. One animal spends lots of time exploring to find the best food and habitat, investing in future reproductive success. The other explores more superficially and quickly, a strategy that emphasizes current reproduction. The simulation showed that the thorough explorer, who expects to have a good chance to reproduce later, would behave in a more risk-averse way. The superficial explorer, living more for the moment, would behave more boldly. Superficial explorers 8220;evolve high levels of aggression in both games, whereas thorough explorers evolve to be consistently non-aggressive,8221; the researchers.

Tech consortium working to reduce computer power wastage

Google and Intel are leading a consortium of technology companies in an effort to sharply reduce the amount of power wasted by personal computers and servers. In a separate development, Intel is expected to cut prices on some of its higher-end processors in July to make room for new power-saving chip technology expected in the second half of the year. The energy-saving effort is called the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. It will also include a large-scale campaign to educate consumers and corporate computer managers about technology8217;s role in the emission of greenhouse gases. Companies agreeing to Climate Savers standards will try to build machines that are at least 90 percent efficient in their power use by promoting new technologies, setting new standards and encouraging more efficient use by consumers. 8220;I think we can make a very large impact very quickly,8221; said Larry Page, who founded Google with Sergey Brin. 8220;All of this is doable today,8221; he said. 8220;We8217;re just taking the opportunity to shoot for a higher bar.8221;