Open Peer Commentary Byrne & Russon: Learning by imitation
In the search for the functional homology of human imitation: Take play seriously!
Ádám Miklósi a1 a1 Department of Ethology, Eötvös University, Göd, H-2131 Hungary
miklosa@ludens.elte.hu
Abstract
I will argue that we cannot understand imitation unless we
know more about its function. By comparing the two examples presented
by Byrne & Russon I show how the imitative behaviour of orangutans
can be interpreted as a homologue of human imitation during play. In
contrast, the lack of data leave the role of imitation in gorillas
doubtful.
