In the grand scheme of things, this is probably a side issue: but I would
have to challenge Jim's comment. Having just returned from some pretty
wild parts of Australia, I have vividly in my mind some rather
extraordinary examples of adaptation, or of "learning," if you will: viz.,
echidnas, which are spikey-backed anteaters that manage to look like
spinafex grass, as they burrow into the ground avoiding predators. Some
of this is no doubt genetic, some of this is no doubt learned.
For my own part, I do think humans have one major facility that
distinguishes the species from other animals -- the ability to create and
detect irony.
-- Ron Mallis 12 Chestnut Street Boston, MA 02108 617-723-8362 ron2785@eworld.com