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Early Play Evolves in Mammals

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Early Play Evolves in Mammals

190 Million Years Ago (+/- 10 million years)
Parental care, brain plasticity, extended juvenile period

Play in its most basic form likely began as simple, physical interactions aimed at honing survival skills. Modern animals like squirrels, kangaroos, and hedgehogs still exhibit these foundational behaviors, engaging in chasing, pouncing, and wrestling. These actions help young animals develop coordination and reflexes while providing a safe way to practice life-essential tasks. Surprisingly, even cows will play, especially young calves, who prance, jump, and head butt with an exuberance that reminds us how universal the joy of play can be.

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Subject: Evolution.
Play evolved as one of the group survival traits. Lower play abilities evolved in mammals like rodents about 190 million years ago. Higher play abilities evolved in mammals like cats about 80 million years ago.

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was first published on TST 2 years ago.
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