species make reasoned choices to change lifestyle and behaviours

It is sometimes suggested non-human species (sometimes even microbes) make deliberate, reasoned decisions to change behaviours , rather than such changes being a result of natural selection.

It is common to see apparent examples of this in public science discourse (Apparent examples, as scientists or journalists may use anthropomorphic language without intending it to be understood literally). For example,

Some bees realised meat was available and decided to stop being vegetarian

Some moths thought switching to eating clothes would offer a better life

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.