Daniel Noble: Reptile Cognition


Courtesy of http://otheralternaterealities.com/

I think most of us are familiar with the term “The Lizard Brain” or “The Reptile Brain” tossed about in marketing circles and some psychology circles as well. This is from the triune brain theory proposed by physician and neuroscientist Paul D. MacLean in the 1960’s. MacLean claimed the Reptilian Complex was responsible for instinctual behaviors. This theory was later found to be a wanting. Reptile cognition is somewhat a new page in the science books for many people. As reptiles have long been believed to be just an instinctual creature with no other thoughts beyond food, sex, and avoid danger. Today we are speaking with Daniel Noble who tells us that this is not actually the case and that at least one specific species of Skink has the ability to learn! That’s right, learning lizards!

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How to Educate People about Rattlesnake Roundups with Zack Stout

Zack Stout wearing a Rise Against Rattlesnake Roundups T-ShirtZack Stout has to be one of the youngest advocates speaking his mind about reptile rights today specifically rattlesnake roundups. He came to our attention through his outspoken behaviors as it were because the school principal was called to inform him that he shouldn’t speak of such things in class! Needless to say, we support Zack and his efforts to stop the horror of rattlesnake roundups. We thought it would be great to have Zack on the show to tell us not only his side of the story but also tell us ‘adults’ how we might have greater impact on the upcoming generation of herpetoculturists and herpetologists in our school systems today. So grab a glass of your favorite beverage, sit back, get comfortable and listen to the next generation really tell you how it is. If this strikes a chord with you don’t forget to show your support by dropping Rise Against Rattlesnake Roundups. For more on roundups you can listen these other interviews as well.

To learn more about rattlesnake behavior we have the following interviews.

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Dav Kauffman of Herpers

Herpers III
Herpers III Tales from the Field

We caught up with Dav Kauffman at the Canadian Reptile Breeders Expo while in Canada and spoke to him about his beginnings in herpetoculture and what he thinks of Rattlesnake Roundups as well as what to expect in the future from Ophis Entertainment.

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