Ep55 Jan van Hooff on the work of Dijkgraaf, Griffin, Darwin, Niko Tinbergen and Desmond Morris, and how it inspired him to work on primate behaviour

Jan van Hooff briefly recapped what was previously discussed in episode 44 of iBuzz, saying how he grew up in Burger’s Zoo and studied biology at the University of Biology.

Jan discusses how he initially got his biology kick from working in the institute of Sven Dijkgraaf, who is famous for his input towards the discovery of echolocation in bats during World War II. Jan states that Dijkgraaf himself was inspired by Lazzaro Spallanzani. He observed that bats could still navigate when blinded, but not when their ears are plugged. Building on this Dijkgraaf noted that bats could distinguish different shapes using different calls. Jan also noted that Donald Griffin simultaneously discovered echolocation in bats and dolphins. His work triggered an interest from the Navy, which allowed the development of sonar in submarines.

Jan noted that Dijkgraaf and his team also discovered the use of electroreception in sharks, enabling them to find prey in the sand. This work triggered many physiological discussions, namely the distinction between mind and matter and the dualism between mind and body. Jan stated this debate fascinated him, saying “this work on the sensory mechanism of animals of which we have come from a subjective picture, fascinates me really. This piqued my interest in animal behaviour”.

Jan then went on to say that the writings of Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen (the fathers of Ethology; the study of animal behaviour) further inspired him to study animal behaviour. Especially the concept that behaviour is a function of the brain and is, therefore, a measurable concept. Further reading on Charles Darwin book ‘The expression of the emotions in man’ where Darwin wrote about primate expressions, which can be used to inform others of their intentions and feelings. Jan wanted to know more, so approached Niko Tinbergen in the 1960s, who referred him to Desmond Morris, the curator of mammals at London Zoo.

Jan explained that London Zoo was ideal due to the primates being housed in easily viewable cages. This allowed the observations of species-specific expressions. He further noted play behaviours which the primates seemingly enjoyed. In that respect, Jan admits he was different from the objective behaviourists of the time. Jan study progressed from the observation of primates’ expression, by comparing it to that of humans. He had a specific interest in human laughter, a behaviour specific to humans despite the cultural variations.

Jan wraps it up by talking about work at London Zoo, stating that primate behaviours can be treated as taxonomic characteristics which reflects a psychological process. Jan goes on to say that next time he will discuss his return to Burger’s Zoo to work with his brother to update the no longer acceptable animal enclosures.

Listen to the last episode with Jan van Hooff HERE

Learn more about Jan van Hooff HERE

Read about the history of echolocation HERE

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