title: Multiple paths to encephalization and technical civilizations.
abstract: We propose consideration of at least two possible evolutionary paths for the emergence of intelligent life with the potential for technical civilization. The first is the path via encephalization of homeothermic animals; the second is the path to swarm intelligence of so-called superorganisms, in particular the social insects. The path to each appears to be facilitated by environmental change: homeothermic animals by decreased climatic temperature and for swarm intelligence by increased oxygen levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA. dschwartzman@gmail.com
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schwartzman
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Middendorf
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D002962:Civilization; D002980:Climate; D019419:Evolution, Planetary; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D007360:Intelligence; D008954:Models, Biological; D010100:Oxygen; D012919:Social Behavior; D055609:Stars, Celestial
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen